Carlos Queiroz’ first game at the helm of the Portuguese National met the objectives os an open practice against the next to last worst team in Europe according to the FIFA rankings. With only one goal on the first half by Carlos Martins, Portugal came out swinging in the second half with 4 goals by Simao, Duda, Bruno Alves and Nani. Some positive clues as Antunes did well as left full back and Carlos Martins filled Pettit’s spot with honors. Nani was perhaps the best player on the pitch. Ronaldo’s creativity was sorely missed and no one really filled the void. Bruno Alves continues to challenge Ricard Carvalho who in my opinion has lost a step in the past couple years. It will be interesting to see who fills the middle of the defense. Seems like Pepe is a fixture.
Portugal missing several chances but finally scored in the 23rd minute by Carlos Martins on a corner cross from Deco. Simao scored the second goal heading in a cross by Miguel (who replaced Bosingwa due to injury) in the 48th minute. After several substitutions where made by Queiroz, Duda headed in a miss by Hugo Almeida on Nani’s cross. Bruno Alves scored in the 89th minute from a corner and Nani closed the score with a shot in the 92nd minute.
Goalkeeper Quim had a quiet night with very little to do.
Portugal plays Malta away and then Denmark at home in September to start its Group 1 qualifying campaign for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. See schedule on portugal.com .
Portugal - Quim; Bosingwa (Miguel, 34 m), Pepe, Ricardo Carvalho (Bruno Alves, 54m), Antunes; Raul Meireles (Fernando Meira, 77m), Deco (Danny, 54m), Carlos Martins (Manuel Fernandes, 54m); Nani, Hugo Almeida, Simão (Duda, 69m).
Faroe Islands – Mikkelsen (Rene Torgaro, 46m); Jacobsen (Madsen, 79m), Tor Naes, Egil a Bo, Danielson; Olsen (Bogi Lokin, 52m), Davidsen, Thomassen (Borg, 79m), Samuelsen (Lava Olsen, 79m); Niclasen, Rogvi Jacobsen.
