PORTUGAL began their World Cup qualifying campaign with a win that will not live long in the memory
Cristiano Ronaldo failed to move closer to Ali Daei’s all-time international record of 109 goals, as an own goal from Azerbaijan captain Maksim Medvedev proved the only difference between the teams.
THAT’S ALL FROM JUVENTUS STADIUM TONIGHT
Matches playing tomorrow:
Israel vs. Denmark
Sweden vs. Georgia
Bulgaria vs. Switzerland
Scotland vs. Austria
Hungry vs. Poland
Germany vs. Iceland
Moldova vs. Faroe Islands
Spain vs. Greece
England vs. San Marino
Italy vs. Northern Ireland
Romania vs. North Macedonia
Andora vs. Albania
Liechtenstein vs. ArmeniaRESULTS AROUND EUROPE TONIGHT
Turkey 4 – 2 Netherlands
Norway 3 – 0 Gibraltar
Montenegro 2 – 1 Latvia
Belgium 3 – 1 Wales
Slovenia 1 – 0 Croatia
Serbia 3 – 2 Ireland
Russia 3 – 1 Malta
Czech Republic 6 – 2 EstoniaDraws:
Cyprus 0 – 0 Slovakia
France 1 – 1 Ukraine
Finland 2 – 2 Bosnia and HerzegovinaRESPONSE FROM PORTUGAL
Defender Domingos Duarte: “We’re happy with the result, it was more important to win. It’s not easy when at the back you do little, you must stay focussed. We just want to win every game.”
Midfielder Joao Palhinha: “They were an opponent who played too deep and it is not easy to score goals. We have a habit of underestimating some selections by their name.”
STATS
Azerbaijan were able to claw some possession back in the second half to 32% after being just 26% at half time. Proving whatever Giovanni de Biasi’s said in the changing rooms at half time to be successful.
Both sides received just one yellow card which links to the Portugal 9 and Azerbaijan 11 fouls committed respectively.
Although the 10 Portuguese corners contributed to the 29 attempts at shots on goal, an own-goal from Azerbaijan was the only time the ball hit the back of the net.
An unexpected 0 goals for Cristiano Ronaldo bringing him no closer to Ali Daei’s all-time international record of 109 goals.
1-0 TO PORTUGAL
After a slow start and an unfortunate own goal which decided the fate of the match, Azerbaijan gained significant momentum throughout the play of the game and should take a lot of confidence in holding back such a renowned and dominate force that is the Portuguese side.
Even though Portugal dominated possession throughout the whole game, Azerbaijan’s ability to maintain composure throughout what was a non-stop game and prevented Portugal dominating the score board.
Magomedaliyev provided a phenomenal performance and was able to recover professionally after the own goal mishap.
The result of this match leaves Portugal at the top of Group A but after Azerbaijan’s unexpectedly impressive performance tonight it will be interesting to see the result of their next few games.
AND THE WHISTLE IS BLOWN FOR FULL TIME!!
1-0 to Portugal is the final score.
PORTUGAL 1 – 0 AZERBAIJAN
90 +3 Coming into the last few minute Nuriiev is penalised for a foul as both sides scramble for possession to finish the game.
PORTUGAL 1 – 0 AZERBAIJAN
90 3 minutes of added time is announced as Magomedaliyev makes another impressive save at Felix’s attempt at goal.
PORTUGAL 1 – 0 AZERBAIJAN
89 Krivotsyuk takes the free kick but Portugal gain possession and continue to apply pressure but a lack of communication appears to leave holes in Portugal’s attack.
PORTUGAL 1 – 0 AZERBAIJAN
88 Felix penalised for a handball and as we wait for it to be taken the following substitutions are made, fresh legs being brought on for the last few minutes.
B. Silva for Oliveira
Neves for Palhinha
PORTUGAL 1 – 0 AZERBAIJAN
85 Portugal are awarded their tenth corner of the night and a long cross brings Magomedaliyev off his line to save it once again.
PORTUGAL 1 – 0 AZERBAIJAN
85 Three more substitutions made.
Makhmudov for Isaev
Emreli for Alaskarov
Ghorbani for Shydaev
PORTUGAL 1 – 0 AZERBAIJAN
84 As we come into the last 10 minutes of the game all is still yet to play for as Azerbaijan continue to up the pressure applied on Portugal.
Their strong defensive back line appearing bulletproof in tonights game.
PORTUGAL 1 – 0 AZERBAIJAN
82 Bruno Fernandes is penalised with a yellow card and the resulting free kick ends in another saved shot on goal for Portugal.
YELLOW CARD FOR FERNANDES!!!!
PORTUGAL 1 – 0 AZERBAIJAN
79 Two attempts on goal in quick successions from Portugal but Magomedaliyev is not giving into the pressure and has secured the ball every time.
Magomedaliyev is having an almost perfect game, discarding the slip of the own goal which hasn’t knocked him off his game.
PORTUGAL 1 – 0 AZERBAIJAN
77 More pressure on goal but yet again another missed target from Fernandes set up by Ronaldo with yet another corner awarded to Portugal.
These corners have supplied many a missed opportunity for Portugal to hit the back of the net.
PORTUGAL 1 – 0 AZERBAIJAN
75 Foul on Portuguese defender Dias on his own penalty spot conceding a free kick to be taken by Lopes.
André Silva is coming off in replace for the up and coming Joao Felix, the one to watch for Portugal.
PORTUGAL 1 – 0 AZERBAIJAN
72 Azerbaijan have really reset in the second half and are able to apply a lot more pressure on the Portuguese who are finding it harder to create the dominance they had in the first half.
It really is shaping up to be a game of two halves.
PORTUGAL 1 – 0 AZERBAIJAN
70 As Azerbaijan push up into the Portuguese half the defensive line causing Nuriiev to miss the target, clearing the ball quickly and effectively.
What a missed opportunity to equalise by Azerbaijan!
PORTUGAL 1 – 0 AZERBAIJAN
68 After another Portuguese corner, Ronaldo’s attempt at goal is yet again saved right into the hands of Magomedaliyev, who is shaping up to Azerbaijan’s saving grace tonight.
PORTUGAL 1 – 0 AZERBAIJAN
67 Silva makes a poor attempt on goal which is again saved by Magomedaliyev who’s having to play a big part in saving Azerbaijan from falling behind any further.
PORTUGAL 1 – 0 AZERBAIJAN
65 Azerbaijan are clearly growing in confidence and pushing the Portuguese team back.
PORTUGAL 1 – 0 AZERBAIJAN
63 Portugal subs out Neto bringing on forward Rafa Silva, indicating a push for attack.
PORTUGAL 1 – 0 AZERBAIJAN
61 Ronaldo penalised for a foul on Hüseynov with Magomedaliyev taking the free-kick.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
