Portugal prevail in the battle of the coloniser and the colonised
The last time Portugal met Angola in a “friendly” 2001 the match had to be abandoned at 5-1 to Portugal as the Angolan had their fifth player sent off. This time the match was much closer with a fourth minute goal by Portugal’s all-time leading goalscorer Pedro Pauleta enough to give Portugal victory over their former colony in yesterday’s match.
Portugal started strongly with Pauleta almost scoring after a few seconds and when he eventually did, it looked likely that the floodgates would open. However, the Portuguese became arrogant with Cristiano Ronaldo indulging in unnecessary showmanship and the Angolans grew in confidence. Akwa tried the spectacular with two attempts at unlikely overhead kicks but found only air both times. The second half was a drab affair but Figo showed throughout that he still has despite beig in the twilight of his career.
Portugal will have to improve their attitude if they do not want to suffer the ignominy of an early exit as in 2002.
