Quaresma continues Portugal quest

Quaresma free-kick
The match got off to a blistering start at the Hardturm stadium, with Davide Chiumiento handing the home side a third-minute lead after an error from visiting goalkeeper Bruno Vale. But Portugal kept their composure and sought to quickly restore parity, which FC Porto winger Quaresma soon achieved when he fired a sumptuous free-kick beyond the reach of Diego Benaglio.

Goalkeeping redemption
The tempo tailed off after that, but both teams had chances to edge a win with the home side denied several times by Bruno Vale in the closing stages. The saves will provide the CF Estrela da Amadora goalkeeper with some redemption after his earlier mistake handed Switzerland the lead when he ventured outside his area, only to be tackled by Chiumiento who coolly slotted into the empty net.

Kulaksizoglu miss
It was a dream start for Bernard Challandes' side but Quaresma soon brought them back down to earth when he sent a free-kick high into the net on 18 minutes. However, rather than press for the lead, Portugal sat back, controlling the midfield but showing little attacking endeavour and the home team almost profited. Eight minutes after the restart the lively Chiumiento thread a pass to Baykal Kulaksizoglu but, free on goal, the Turkish-born midfield player blazed wide.

Chiumiento drive
Currently impressing on loan at Le Mans UC 72, Chiumiento was a constant menace to the visitors' goal, but despite creating countless opportunities, the Swiss were unable to capitalise. Bruno Vale came to the fore late on and Portugal hung on to take a narrow advantage into the second leg at the Estádio do Bessa on Wednesday.