3 July 2007, by Marco Pereira

FIFA U-20 World Cup: Portugal make confident start

Portugal 2-0 New Zealand

Portugal started their U-20 campaign with a comprehensive 2-0 victory over tournament debutants, New Zealand.

The Portuguese team had too much for the newcomers as Bruno Gama scored twice from dead ball situations to put Portugal on the road towards qualification for the next round.

Jose Couceiro: “We will gain confidence with each match.”


Portugal dominated the first half, enjoying the lion’s share of possession and constantly attacking New Zealand from the flanks through Bruno Gama and Fabio Coentrao. New Zealand played the majority of the half on the back foot by placing nine players behind the ball at all times, and waiting to hit on the counter attack.

The first opportunity came in the 9th minute when Gama had an effort on goal and Zequinha just missed re-directing the ball into the net at the far post. Then Zequinha turned provider as his cross from the left just eluded Coentrao.

Bruno Pereirinha decided to get into the action as he let a shot go from distance in the 18th minute that gave New Zealand something to think about. Seven minutes later, Zequinha appeared again as he saw two close-range efforts go agonizingly over the crossbar.

In the 36th minute, Fabio Coentrao missed a sitter as Pereirinha sent in a cross and the former Rio Ave player somehow failed to get his head to it to put Portugal into the lead.

Gama free kick special

But just before the interval, Portugal finally got a well-deserved goal as Bruno Gama lined up for a free kick just outside of the 18 yard box, and neatly placed the ball in the top left-hand corner to give Portugal a 1-0 lead.

The second half proved more of the same as Coentrao sent in a tantalizing cross across the New Zealand goalmouth, but nobody could get on the end of it, and Gama then had a good chance but shot straight at New Zealand goalkeeper, Spoonley.

Portugal doubled their lead in the 59th minute as Zequinha was brought down in the box and the referee pointed to the penalty spot. Gama had to take the spot kick twice because Portugal players were guilty of encroachment on the first attempt, but the Setubal man kept his cool to make the score 2-0.

The partisan Portuguese crowd were enjoying the display and Portugal could have tripled their lead as Pereirinha and Zequinha both produced shots from close range, but both times the ball ended up in Spoonley’s midriff.

Late on New Zealand missed two glorious opportunities to cut the deficit. In the 88th minute, Brockie had a golden chance to score as there was confusion in the Portuguese defence, and the striker had the gaping net wide open, only to send the ball over the crossbar. Another defensive lapse by the Portuguese then allowed Keat to have a shot, which was pulled wide.

Nonetheless, a good start for Portugal. They will take the win and work on their concentration as they cannot afford to make the same mistakes against a more organised and skilled Mexico team on Thursday.

Portugal:
Patricio, Mano (Vitor Gomes, 69), Paulo Renato, Joao Pedro, Antunes (Andre Marques, 75), Nuno Coelho, Pele, Bruno Pererinha (Zezinando, 79), Bruno Gama, Fabio Coentrao, Zequinha
Yellow Cards: Mano (67), Coentrao (79)

New Zealand:
Spoonley, Peters, Hogg, Edington, Peverley (Draper, 63), Henderson, Brockie, Jenkins, Roydhouse, Boxall, Keat
Yellow Cards: Boxall (30), Hogg (44), Henderson (63), Edington (83)

Goals:
[1-0] Bruno Gama, 45
[2-0] Bruno Gama, 59 (pen)