Football Friendly Update: Portugal thrash World champion Spain 4-0.
Spain might be the World Champions but Portugal took a comfortable win. Helder Postiga netted two goals for Portugal while Carlos Martins produced the opening goal and Hugo Almeida gave the match its final gaol with in the final moments.
Portugal meant business from the start and took no time to settle into the match. The visitors found their rhythm rather early. Nani was able to execute a low shoot which Casillas barely managed to tip away. It was a close call. Later Spain dwelled into
the match and Andres Iniesta started to intimidate the Portuguese showing brilliant control and tricky movement with the ball. Portugal was able to constrain the attacks by some effective defending.
Spain strolled in a clear cut chance as Xavi delivered a perfect cross to David Silva, but he somehow managed a remarkable miss and his header was yards wide. Shortly after pressure switched sides. Nani managed to guide the ball into the goal on Ronaldo’s
assist but Nani was denied the goal because he was offside. Portugal started to press onto Spain’s defence line. Carlos Martin put down another chance just before the break through.
Before the first half wore out, Ronaldo cut from the left and took a sharp shoot at Casillas, who blocked it and the ball eventually found Martins who took a furious 12 yard shoot.
As the second half went into action, luck didn’t as much as look Spain’s way. As the match resumed Portugal gained on their lead. In the 49th minute, Joao Moutinho cut back to Helder Postiga who finished with a calm and classy back heel. After
that, both teams scrambled for changes disrupting the tempo.
A third goal was conceded as Danny made a wonderful move from the right to meet an effective strike by Helder Postiga. Casillas appealed for off-side but linesman confirmed that it was a legit goal. It came in the 68th minute of the game.
By now a comeback wasn’t an option. The 3rd goal witnessed the champions tumbling. Portuguese coach Paulo Bento was very pleased with the way its team was performing. Sergio Ramos was able to pull a sloppy effort throughout the game and in contrast,
Helder Postiga played brilliantly for Portugal bagging two remarkable goals.
The final nail in the coffin was hammered by Hugo Almeida. He pierced right through the Spanish defence and won a comfortable one on one with Casillas. The fourth goal was marked in the finishing moments of the international friendly. Leaving the Spanish
team wondering how the match ended up 4-0 in Portugal’s favour.
Tags: