Portugal held by Cape Verde
COVILHA - Lacklustre Portugal were held to a disappointing 0-0 home draw by 117th-ranked Cape Verde in a pre-World Cup friendly on Monday.
Portugal were slow and predictable throughout, making it easy for Cape Verde to apply an ultra-defensive strategy.
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The hosts' first chance was a long-distance effort by Pedro Mendes that forced a fine save on 18 minutes.
The Portuguese winger saw most of the ball and left-back Fabio Coentrao and Nani linked up well. Mendes almost scored when he wandered to the right side on the half hour, his first-time shot calling keeper Fock into make another good save.
Portugal showed a little more intent in the second half with Cristiano Ronaldo, ineffective until then, firing a fierce shot against the keeper on 62 minutes and shooting against the side netting moments later.
Unable to create more danger, Portugal were dealt a blow when midfielder Tiago limped off with a thigh injury on 70 minutes.
Portugal will play another friendly at Covilha, against Cameroon on June 1, before flying to South Africa. They are in Group G along with Brazil, Ivory Coast and North Korea for the June 11-July 11 finals.
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