Portugal finish on a high

Portugal 4-0 Bolivia

Players missing
It was Portugal's second match against South American opposition in recent days, the win coming on the back of Friday's 0-0 draw against Paraguay in Braga. Coach Luiz Felipe Scolari allowed Luis Figo and Rui Costa to return to their clubs after that stalemate and their absence was not felt as early goals from Jorge Andrade and Fernando Couto and strikes either side of half-time from Hélder Postiga secured a comfortable win for the hosts of UEFA EURO 2004™.

Another header
Andrade was the unlikely scorer of the opener, registering only his second international goal in the seventh minute following a fine centre from left-sided defender Rui Jorge. The second goal was just six minutes in coming, as the captain Couto headed in another corner, this time from Newcastle United FC's Hugo Viana, who had an excellent game.

First goal
The opening 45 minutes was all Portugal, and their goalkeeper, Ricardo, had little to do in a half which ended with the home side 3-0 ahead. Postiga's first international goal came in the 40th minute when the FC Porto striker beat Bolivia goalkeeper Hugo Suarez at the far post following another cross from Rui Jorge. The 20-year-old was celebrating his second Portugal goal three minutes after the break when he scored with a fine volley from Viana's free-kick.

Bolivia chance
Ricardo Quaresma, Rogério Matias and Luís Loureiro were all brought on for the second half, with Sporting Clube de Portugal winger Quaresma particularly impressive on his debut. As the game wore on, Scolari introduced playmaker Silas and goalkeeper Quim and the home side lost some of their rhythm. Bolivia almost scored in the 75th minute when Lorgio Alvarez hit the post following a flowing move.

New system
Postiga said of his goals: "I am very happy. It's important to score as striker and I hope these are the first of many." He added of his partnership with Pauleta: "It was the first time we have played together but in the first half we scored three goals. Now the coach has to decide if the system is good."

Looking forward
Scolari, who usually deploys Pauleta or Nuno Gomes as a lone striker, said of his 4-4-2 system: "It was the first test. Maybe we will try it again in the next game against Kazakhstan." Portugal will tackle Kazakhstan on 20 August in what will be Scolari's sixth game in charge.