7 September 2005, by Tom Kundert

Portugal one point from Germany

Russia 0-0 Portugal

Portugal obtained a goalless draw in Moscow to keep their unbeaten record intact in World Cup qualification Group Three.

Scolari’s team require just one point from their final two home games against Liechtenstein and Latvia to book their place in Germany.

Portugal’s build-up to the match was marked by the news that Cristiano Ronaldo’s father had passed away on the eve of the match. The Manchester United player received immediate support from Scolari and his team mates and decided to play, turning in a commendably committed performance given the circumstances.

Russia began well, causing Portugal plenty of problems with some quick passing and clever wing play. In the first twenty minutes, roared on by the vociferous crowd, the home side practically laid siege to the Portuguese goal.

Magnificent Ricardo stop

Ricardo (pictured) had already saved well from close range early on, when in the 17th minute the Sporting goalkeeper produced a magnificent save at full stretch to stop what looked like a certain goal from a crisp Kerzahkov shot.

After weathering the storm Portugal finally began to get a foothold on the game and increasingly frustrated Russia with their patient possession football. So much so that Smertin picked up two yellow cards in the space of just five minutes and was promptly sent off shortly before the break.

Portugal took a stranglehold on the match and hogged the ball for long periods but struggled to find the killer pass. When Figo did so, splitting the Russian defence with a superb through ball, a ponderous Pauleta hesitated and the chance was gone.

With just five minutes remaining substitute João Moutinho at last forced Akinfeev into action. The young goalkeeper, who suffered seven goals the last time the two teams met, produced an excellent stop to push away a skidding shot from the edge of the area.

Not Portugal’s greatest performance but a positive result which sets up what should be a "We're off to Germany" party in Aveiro on 8 October.

PortuGoal man of the match:
Ricardo – the under pressure goalkeeper, dropped from his club side, produced the goods when it mattered.

Russia:
Afinfeev, Sennikov, Vassily Berezoutsky, Ignashevitch, Alexei Berezoutsky, Aldonin, Izmailov, (Semak, 74), Smertin, Arshavin (Anyukov, 87), Bilaledinov, Kerzahkov
Yellow Cards: Aldonin (33), Smertin (38 & 43)
Red Card: Smertin (43)

Portugal:
Ricardo, Paulo Ferreira, Jorge Andrade, Ricardo Carvalho, Nuno Valente, Costinha, Maniche (João Moutinho, 82), Deco (Simão Sabrosa, 75), Cristiano Ronaldo, Figo, Pauleta
Yellow Cards: Deco (31), Ricardo Carvalho (47), Pauleta (65), Figo (77)