Spanish style punishes Portugal

Portugal 0-3 Spain

Spanish sparkle
Goals from Joseba Exteberria, Joaquín and Diego Tristán at the Estádio D. Afonso Henriques, one of the ten venues for next summer's finals, sealed a sparkling Spanish performance. However, it could all have been very different had Portuguese forward Pauleta converted from close range on six minutes.

Etxeberria breakthrough
The deadlock was broken in the 12th minute when Etxeberria was on hand to send a left-footed shot past Portuguese goalkeeper Ricardo after Raúl González had missed Vicente Rodríguez's cross. It was no more than the Spanish deserved with Fernando Torres also showing up well on his debut.

Injury worry
Rubén Baraja could have doubled the lead just after the half-hour but his free-kick hit the post. There was a worrying moment for Spain just before half-time though as Torres was substituted after a strong challenge from Fernando Couto.

Counterattack goal
Both teams made changes in the second half but it was the visitors who would make the most of the comings and goings. A swift counterattack on the hour finished with substitute midfielder Joaquín tucking the ball inside the left post from the edge of the area. Another substitute, Tristán, scored Spain's third late on with a well-taken lob.

Mixed reception
It was no more than the away side deserved and they were cheered by the home crowd, who whistled their own team's efforts at the end. Spain resume their Group 6 qualifying campaign on Wednesday, and will be full of confidence before welcoming Ukraine to Elche.