Portugal inflict friendly misery on Spain

Portugal got a measure of revenge for their World Cup second round defeat by world champions Spain here on Wednesday as the hosts ran out 4-0 winners.

Goals by Carlos Martins, an own goal by Sergi Ramos, veteran Helder Postiga and Hugo Almedia saw them to an easy victory over Spain, whose defence has leaked goals post the World Cup victory even conceding two to lowly Scotland in a Euro 2012 qualifier.

Portugal ended the first-half the strongest side as first Cristiano Ronaldo looked to have scored as he outrageously chipped his Real Madrid team-mate Iker Casillas, and his former Manchester United team-mate Nani helped it on its way but it was ruled out because the latter player was offside.

Emboldened by that the hosts pushed forward and Barcelona defender Gerard Pique did well to clear off the line from Martins but there was no stopping him a few minutes later.

Ronaldo it was who set the goal up as he forced Casillas into parrying his shot only for Martins to be on hand to knock it home.

Spain had as ever played some delightful football but only really threatened once to break the deadlock when David Silva was found unmarked by Joan Capdevila but he put his header wide.

The hosts and the world champions made three personnel changes apiece at half-time but it was Portugal who appeared to get the boost from those and quickly added a second.

It was a superb goal too as Liverpool’s Raul Meireles started the move before passing the ball to Nani who then laid it off to Joao Moutinho who found Postiga and his shot was deflected into the goal by Ramos.

Postiga was on hand to put the match beyond doubt as he knocked home another superb pass by the impressive Moutinho and Almeida twisted the knife further with an injury-time effort.