Portugal defeat old colony Angola

Portugal held on to an early lead which came from a Pauleta goal against Angola who were once and Portuguese colony. Portugal beat Angola 1 -0.

Portugal dominated the early parts of the match but in the latter stages it was Angola who stole show. Akwa was leading star for the Angolans but even he could not deliver a draw for his team.

The Angolans were playing for the first time in the World cup finals and by a quirly twist of fate it came against their former colonial rulers. Due to this it would have been a wonderfull moment had Angola come away with a win from this match but it was not meant to be and Portugal took the win and the three points in the group.

Pauleta's fourth-minute goal in the end was the only score of the game. Cristiano Ronaldo hit the bar with a thumping header for Portugal.

Pauleta nearly scored again in the second half as did Maniche.

Luiz Felipe Scolari's side now sit second in Group D behind Mexico who lead on goal difference.

This may not have been the best performance from Portugal but they did picck up three points and in an opener that is all you need.

Angola:

Joao Ricardo, Jamba, Kali, Loco, Delgado, Figueiredo, Macanga, Mateus, Mendonca, Ze Kalanga, Akwa.
Subs: Lama, Airosa, Lebo-Lebo, Miloy, Mantorras, Edson, Rui Marques, Flavio, Love, Buengo, Mario, Marco.

Portugal:

Ricardo, Meira, Miguel, Nuno Valente, Ricardo Carvalho, Petit, Tiago, Figo, Ronaldo, Pauleta, Simao.
Subs: Quim, Paulo Ferreira, Caneira, Ricardo Costa, Costinha, Viana, Boa Morte, Maniche, Nuno Gomes, Paulo Santos, Postiga, Deco.

Referee: Jorge Larrionda (Uruguay)