Kazakhs push Portugal close

Portugal 1-0 Kazakhstan

Solitary strike
The SL Benfica midfield player found the net in the 65th minute after an intriguing contest between the UEFA EURO 2004™ hosts and UEFA's newest member. The countries are the only two of European football's governing body's 52 associations not involved in qualifying for next year's finals.

Ricardo saves
Kazakhstan were playing their biggest match since joining UEFA in April 2002. They performed well in front of 8,000 fans in Chaves, particularly in the first half, but found home goalkeeper Ricardo, who made way for debutant Bruno Vale late on, in good form.

Ronaldo chance
Portugal, who also gave Manchester United FC winger Cristiano Ronaldo his debut as a second-half substitute, improved after the break. The goal finally came when Hélder Postiga sent in a cross which Kazakh defender Ihor Solishenko could only strike into Simao, who turned to watch the rebound roll into the net.

Frustrated hosts
Despite making the breakthrough, Portugal struggled to create many more opportunities and had to settle for the narrowest of victories. The Kazakhs were certainly the happier of the two teams at the final whistle, having taking a giant step forward on the European footballing stage.