Hosts send Russia packing

Improved Portugal
Maniche seized on his FC Porto team-mate Deco’s pass after seven minutes to fire in the first goal before Rui Costa converted fellow substitute Cristiano Ronaldo’s cross one minute from time as Portugal bounced back from their opening match defeat by Greece with a much-improved display. Russia had to play for over 45 minutes with ten men after goalkeeper Sergei Ovchinnikov was sent off on the stroke of half-time for handling the ball outside the area.

Bulykin dropped
Both starting lineups revealed surprises. Russia's two enforced changes were no shock with Dmitri Loskov and Aleksei Bugaev coming in for the expelled Aleksandr Mostovoi and the suspended Roman Sharonov. But Georgi Yartsev's decision to drop Dmitri Bulykin and play FC Zenit St. Peterburg youngster Aleksandr Kerzhakov in attack supported by his fellow 21-year-old Marat Izmailov raised eyebrows among the Russian minority at the Estádio da Luz.

Porto quintet
Luiz Felipe Scolari provided yet more surprises. The decision to introduce Deco for Rui Costa in the playmaking role was expected but the defensive cull that saw Paulo Ferreira, Rui Jorge and Fernando Couto supplanted by Miguel, Ricardo Carvalho and Nuno Valente was less predictable. The net effect was the Portugal had five players from UEFA Champions League winners Porto lining up against club colleague Dmitri Alenitchev.

Maniche strikes
That Porto combination worked to wonderful effect for Portugal after just six minutes. The ball was worked to Deco from a Luís Figo free-kick and Porto's adopted son drilled a dangerous low ball into the box. Club colleague Maniche controlled superbly before firing into the bottom corner beyond Ovchinnikov for his first ever international goal.

Smertin booked
Russia were rocked and pinned back in their own half, their frustration heightened when defensive linchpin Aleksei Smertin received a booking after 16 minutes ruling him out of Russia's final Group A match against Greece. Minutes earlier, Russia had briefly lifted the siege on their goal but Alenitchev was crowded out in the area after fine approach play from Loskov and Kerzhakov.

Triple stepover
Portugal were struggling to translate their lion's share of possession into chances but upped the tempo approaching the half-hour mark when Carvalho headed over and then Pauleta narrowly failed to reach Figo's cross, delivered after the Portuguese captain had delighted the crowd with three stepovers. Then after 31 minutes Deco volleyed wildly over from close range and, seven minutes later, Maniche and Deco almost played in Pauleta only for a fine interception by Bugaev.

Ovchinnikov off
Portugal were quite literally given a helping hand on the stroke of half-time when Ovchinnikov was sent off after handling outside his area as he raced from his goal to deny Pauleta. The talismanic goalkeeper was expelled and Evgueni Aldonin was sacrificed as reserve keeper Viacheslav Malafeev came in but Russia escaped further censure when Figo curled the resultant free-kick wide.

Stubborn Russia
Malafeev was forced into action five minutes after the restart when he dived full length to his right to turn away Nuno Valente's powerful drive. But Portugal were struggling to exploit their numerical advantage and the increasingly influential Andrei Kariaka flashed an effort across the face of goal and then stung the fingers of Ricardo with a fierce shot as Russia refused to accept their fate meekly.

Malafeev magic
Nuno Gomes and Rui Costa replaced Pauleta and Simão Sabrosa as Portugal sought greater urgency and the changes almost brought instant reward after 64 minutes. An excellent move saw Nuno Gomes forward Deco's pass to Figo but his shot was brilliantly turned on to the post by Malafeev with Deco seizing on the rebound only to fire the ball over the bar.

Deco drive
Russia pushed hard for an equaliser but failed to threaten Ricardo’s goal even after the introduction of Dmitri Bulykin. Instead Portugal exploited the increased space and their own late replacement Ronaldo crossed for Rui Costa to score and seal a deserved victory.

Goals: Maniche 7, Rui Costa 89

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