Portugal see off Slovakia

Portugal's preparations for the UEFA European Under-21 Championship continued as they beat Slovakia 2-0 at the Estádio José Gomes in Amadora.

Strong start
The visitors struggled to cope with a sterling start from the home team, Paulo Machado fizzing an early warning shot just wide from outside the area before creating the opening goal in the fifth minute. The UD Leiria midfielder curled a corner to Ricardo Vaz Té via Amoreirinha’s touch and the Bolton Wanderers FC forward had the simple task of prodding the ball in at the far post.

Slovakia chances
Portugal's dominance was such that Slovakia took 31 minutes to work a chance worthy of the name, Juraj Kucka heading against the bar when he had the time and space to pick a spot in Paulo Ribeiro's net. Five minutes before half-time, the custodian’s goal was under threat again, although this time the keeper reacted well to keep out a Pavol Jurco free-kick.

Serbia next
The second half was all about Portugal, João Moreira signalling their intent to kill the game off just after the restart with a neat volley which narrowly missed the target. The hosts doubled their lead in the 57th minute through an unlikely source, Sporting Clube de Portugal's defensive midfielder Miguel Veloso finding the net via the post. Portugal can expect a sterner test on Tuesday when they travel to Novi Sad to tackle another side who will compete in this summer's finals, Serbia.