Liedson helps Portugal across the line

Portugal 2-0 China
Carlos Queiroz endured a frustrating night as his Portugal side struggled to convert dominance into meaningful chances, the result hanging in the balance until Liedson's late goal ended a spell of late China pressure.

Portugal were on top throughout in Coimbra and Hugo Almeida had already twice gone close when he finally found the net on 36 minutes, firing home after a blistering Cristiano Ronaldo-led counterattack. The hosts continued to dominate after the break, but despite overwhelming possession they struggled to make inroads in the final third save for a Raul Meireles effort that came back off the upright midway through the second period.

A defence shorn of Pepe, José Bosingwa and late withdrawal Ricardo Carvalho were seldom tested, but it was not until the fourth minute of added time, with China pushing for the equaliser, that they made the game safe when João Moutinho's shot was deflected in by Liedson. Queiroz will hope for a marked improvement when Portugal face the Cape Verde Islands on 24 May.