Portugal 0-1 France
A superbly executed free kick five minutes from full time gave France a deserved victory over Portugal in Lisbon on Friday night.
The Seleção fought hard but it was the powerful French outfit that were on top for most of the match and created the better chances, Rui Patrício making three sharp saves before being left helpless by Valbuena’s late rocket.
With Tiago suspended from Portugal’s Euro 2016 qualifier against Albania on Monday and left out of the squad, and João Moutinho and William Carvalho injured, coach Fernando Santos picked a completely new midfield comprising Sporting team-mates Adrien and João Mário, backed up by FC Porto holder Danilo.
Pogba dominant
The three players acquitted themselves well against top-class adversaries, although the physical superiority of the French midfield was evident for much of the 90 minutes, epitomised by the imperious Paul Pogba and the formidable Sissoko.
In a first half that involved some full-blooded tackles (and the bloodied face of Ricardo Carvalho who was forced off after an accidental clash with Patrice Evra) but was played mostly at a slow pace, only one chance of note was created at each end.
On the half hour mark a swift move from France saw Griezmann play Matuidi in, but Patrício saved his shot with an outstretched left foot. Five minutes before the break Ronaldo took aim with a long-range free kick, and it required a diving stop from Lloris to keep it out.
Patrício shines
After an even first forty-five minutes the second half was a different story, with France taking the initiative from the restart. Only another great save by Patrício on 49 minutes denied Griezmann as France pinned Portugal further and further back into their defensive third.
Apart from a decent Éder snapshot on the turn, it was one-way traffic, and Patrício had to tip a venomous Benzema free kick over the bar in the 71st minute.
France finally made the breakthrough they had been threatening in the 85th minute. Portugal’s players protested at a foul being called against José Fonte as Griezmann went down, but substitute Mathieu Valbuena kept his focus and produced a sumptuous strike that cleared the wall and fizzed into the roof of the net.
Portugal will have to up their game when they face Albania in Elbasan on Monday, especially in terms of attacking, the Seleção’s almost total absence of offensive threat the biggest disappointment for the 40,000 crowd at the Alvalade.
by Tom Kundert, at the Alvalade
Portugal: Rui Patrício, Vieirinha (Cédric, 61’), Ricardo Carvalho (José Fonte, 27’), Pepe, Eliseu, Danilo Pereira (Bernardo Silva, 86’), Adrien Silva (Miguel Veloso, 60’), João Mário (Danny, 79’), Nani, Éder, Cristiano Ronaldo (Quaremsa, 68’)
