Hugo Almeida stars as Portugal down Mozambique

Portugal 3-0 Mozambique
Portugal's final friendly before they kick off their FIFA World Cup Group G campaign against Ivory Coast on 15 June ended in success, though a pre-match injury to Nani somewhat overshadowed the result.

The Manchester United FC winger is to miss the finals with a collarbone injury, with SL Benfica's Ruben Amorim taking his place in the squad. Portugal were spared any further disappointment in Johannesburg, however, following up a draw against Cape Verde Islands and a 3-1 win against Cameroon with a comfortable success.

With Cristiano Ronaldo starting on the bench, it took until the 25th minute for Simão to produce a first shot on goal for Carlos Queiroz's men, and Liedson's header was fended away by Mozambique keeper Lamá ten minutes later. However, the best chance of the half came at the other end, with Mohmed Hagy's shot from distance hitting Eduardo's post.

Heeding that warning, Portugal improved after the break, going ahead after 52 minutes as Deco's pass set up Danny to round Lamá and score his national team's 800th official goal. Substitute Hugo Almeida added a second following good work from Danny on the left, and then made it 3-0 with a follow-up from Ronaldo's shot on goal.

There was more good news, meanwhile, with Real Madrid CF central defender Pepe playing his first 15 minutes of competitive football since being laid off with a right knee injury in December.