Portugal difficult to win against weak Luxembourg

Portugal were expected to face minnow Luxembourg on their group F opener as 2014 World Cup Europe qualifiying fixtures begin on last Friday.

Everbody including coach Paulo Bento were thinking that the visitors, which are fifth placed in UEFA members listing, will enjoy their first match with a clear victory at Josy Barthel against fourty-ninth placed hosts; but Portugal had to come from behind in order to record a very difficult victory on the road against Luxembourg.

The visitors were shocked on the 14th minute as Daniel Da Mota, who is ironically a player of Portuguese origin, took the lead for the home side. After that, their lead did not last too long. 13 minutes later, Real Madrid man Cristiano Ronaldo  levelled the game. Although Portugal intended to take the lead with some chances, Da Mota also continued to be a threat against keeper Rui Patricio. Fenerbahce man Meireles was too close to defeat Joubert before captain Ronaldo was denied by a post.

In the beginning of the second half, the visitors looked more serious. They absolutely had the ball possesion. That is why they had to wait for only nine minutes to change the result in the favour of themselves. Helder Postiga found the net cooly in a one-on-one chance.

In the remaning time, Luxembourg could not find any chance to give a response; but Portugal could miss the third one as they found several chances. The most dangerous one of captain Ronaldo was denied by keeper Joubert.

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