Portugal 2 Brazil 0

Goals by Simão Sabrosa and Ricardo Carvalho in the second half earned Portugal a victory over a Brazil side which appeared to be struggling not only with the cold but also with the ball, playing without rhythm, concentration, enthusiasm or the joy that characterises the “escrete”. It was the first defeat of Dunga’s Brazil which has yet to play at home.

Photo: Portugal 2 Brazil 0

On na electric night for Cristiano Ronaldo and Ricardo Quaresma, Portugal played with enthusiam and on 82’, Simao buried a Quaresma cross into the net. Ten minutes later, another Quaresma cross found Chelsea’s central defender Ricardo Carvalho, who beat Helton with a well-placed first-time shot.

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After the game, Brazil’s manager, Dunga, complained about the lack of concentration, stating that Brazil lost the ball in the two plays which resulted in Portugal’s goals. “We cannot suffer goals in this way,” he said. For Dunga, “There is a lot of work to do. The team needs to move more, hold the ball longer and have more options”.

For fellow Brazilian Felipe Scolari, Portugal’s team manager, this, his second victory over Brazil, the team he led to the world championship in Japan/Korea, gives his side much needed optimism for their UEFA Cup campaign. He praised his players for raising their game at crucial moments.

Timothy BANCROFT-HINCHEY