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| Saturday, October 12, 2002 21:27 EST |
Portugal, Tunisia tie 1-1
[Associated Press]
LISBON, Portugal -- Portugal were held to a 1-1 draw by a determined Tunisian side in a friendly match in the
Euro 2004 hosts' first home appearance since their disappointing World Cup campaign.
"Naturally, I think it was quite a difficult game, as expected, and (Tunisia) ended up having a fabulous game," said
Portuguese caretaker manager Agostinho Oliveira, who took over the job after the side's shock first-round exit in the
2002 World Cup finals.
"They managed to get a lot of players in defence and midfield and caused a lot of problems for the style of play
we have.
"There was no change in the second half. We took the initiative, had most chances but didn't manage what we
should have done, which was to turn the result around and settle into the game."
Pauleta opened the scoring for Portugal after just four minutes when he intercepted a poorly taken goal kick on
the edge of the penalty area and outsprinted two Tunisian defenders to beat goalkeeper Ali Boumnijel from close
range.
Tunisia, playing their first game under former French coach Roger Lemerre, recovered confidence when Ramzi
Toujani forced a diving save from Portuguese goalkeeper Ricardo Pereira with a powerful free kick from 25 metres.
Midfielder Mourad Melki was also on target with a header inside the area from a neat right cross, which Pereira
saved with an agile leap.
Portugal had two more chances in the first half, with Luis Figo turning his marker to shoot from 25 metres and a
left-footed blast by an unmarked Pauleta from the edge of the penalty area forcing Boumnijel to tip the ball over the
bar.
Ali Zitouni equalised for the visitors shortly before halftime after forcing an early dive from keeper Ricardo then
dodging two markers to tap into an open goal from close in.
Tunisia forced the pace after the break and Zitouni threatened with a long drive after stealing a pass from
Francisco Costinha, but Ricardo was able to stop the ball.
Zitouni tested Ricardo's reflexes again shortly afterwards from a cross by Kais Zouagi.
Portugal got back into the game after a wave of substitutions and Pauleta was on target with a powerful left foot
after stealing a pass from Tunisian defender Radhi Jouadi.
Substitute Neca Fernandes also had a chance to put Portugal back on top in the closing minutes but he hit the
ball straight at keeper Bomnijel.
As hosts for the 2004 European championship, Portugal automatically qualify. They next play Sweden in a friendly
at Gothenburg on Wednesday.
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