Stalemate between Portugal and Greece

FIFA World Cup hopefuls Portugal and Greece played out a goalless draw in their friendly encounter in Oeiras.

Without Pepe and Cristiano Ronaldo, both nursing minor injuries following Real Madrid CF's UEFA Champions League triumph last weekend, Paulo Bento opted to explore his options, deploying an uncustomary 4-4-2 formation.

Up against opponents who have beaten them three times in recent years, Portugal started with purpose and mustered three shots on target inside the first six minutes. Éder spurned the best chance, heading the ball straight at Orestis Karnezis inside the first 60 seconds.

Bento's charges remained in the ascendancy in the second half, Hugo Almeia going close to breaking the deadlock soon after the interval. Though Nani twice called Karnezis into action on 67 minutes, Greece, on the back foot throughout, nearly snatched victory seven minutes from time. Giannis Fetfatzidis dispossessed André Almeida, raced into the area and forced a fine save from Beto. There was still time for Portugal to go close once more, Ricardo Costa striking the bar with a cross.

Next for Portugal is a trip to the United States, where they will play friendly fixtures against México on 6 June and the Republic of Ireland four days later. Greece take on Nigeria on Tuesday and Bolivia next weekend.