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7 February 2007, by Tom Kundert

Late double fires Portugal to victory

Portugal 2-0 Brazil

Well taken goals from Simao and Ricardo Carvalho in the final ten minutes gave Portugal victory over Brazil in last night’s friendly match played at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium in London.

The result sees Portugal continue their recent ascendancy over the five times World Cup winners. They have not lost to Brazil in 18 years and it was Luiz Filipe Scolari’s second successive victory over his former charges.

Although not too much should be read into a match that only sporadically got out of second gear, the win will do Portugal’s confidence no harm as they prepare for a vital European Championship double header against Belgium and Serbia next month.

Scolari opted for Postiga in place of Nuno Gomes up front, Ricardo Quaresma was given a rare start, while Jorge Andrade made a welcome return to the starting line-up after a year out through injury.

Ricardo alert

Ricardo had to be sharp to deny Brazil on two occasions early on as quick passing from the South Americans cut through the centre of the Portugal defence.

Portugal’s best chance of the opening 45 minutes came when Tiago played a clever ball through to Postiga, and goalkeeper Helton did well to save from his Porto team-mate. Shortly before the break Lucio latched onto a loose ball ten metres from goal but hammered his shot onto the top of the crossbar.

Portugal’s best period of the match came at the start of the second half as they hogged possession, albeit without creating much in the way of goalscoring opportunities. The usual flurry of substitutions that are a feature of international friendlies did nothing to help the flow of a lukewarm match.

Just when it seemed the players had settled for a goalless draw, the lively Quaresma channelled a quick counter-attack down the right wing and played a perfect cross into the path of substitute Simao, who hit an expertly executed volley into the back of the net.

Things got better for Portugal shortly afterwards when Hugo Viana crossed for Ricardo Carvalho to shoot home in fine style.

Quaresma shines

A satisfactory night for Portugal enabled some of the up and coming generation to gain more experience, with Quaresma at last bringing his club form onto the international arena.

Another positive feature of the encounter was the assured return of Jorge Andrade to the heart of the defence, who together with Ricardo Carvalho forms surely one the finest centre-back pairings in the world.

Scolari:

“Brazil dominated the first half, us the second. Brazil had more opportunities but we had better quality and took advantage of the few chances we created. It was a very technical match between two teams who play South American type football. The English must have enjoyed watching it.”

“The victory will give us more confidence for the upcoming matches in March. We beat a team that is ranked number one and has won the World Cup five times, and this will raise our self-esteem and confidence.”


PortuGOAL man of the match: Petit
The tenacious midfielder managed to be in the right place at the right time throughout the match, making a series of vital blocks to keep the skilful Brazilian midfielders in check.

Portugal:
Ricardo, Miguel, Ricardo Carvalho (Fernando Meira, 90), Jorge Andrade, Caneira (Paulo Ferreira, 46), Petit (Joao Moutinho, 67), Tiago, Deco (Hugo Viana, 60), Cristiano Ronaldo (Simao, 62), Helder Postiga (Nuno Gomes, 74), Ricardo Quaresma
Yellow Cards: Tiago (35)

Brazil:
Helton, Maicon (Daniel Alves, 63), Juan (Luisao, 46), Lucio, Gilberto, Edmilson (Tinga, 62), Kaka, Gilberto Silva, Elano, Fred (Diego, 67), Rafael Sobis (Adriano, 46)
Yellow Cards: Edmilson (33)

Goals:
[1-0] Simao, 81
[2-0] Ricardo Carvalho, 88