Portugal 2-1 Nigeria: Martinez's men not made to pay for Ronaldo's huge miss
Portugal completed their World Cup preparations by beating Nigeria 2-1 thanks to an excellent strike from Francisco Conceicao.
Cristiano Ronaldo missed a golden chance early on at Estadio Dr. Magalhaes Pessoa, as Portugal signed off ahead of heading to the World Cup.
Akor Adams squandered a decent opportunity at the other end, and Portugal deservedly went ahead as Diogo Dalot’s cutback from the byline was converted into the bottom-right corner by Pedro Neto's fine left-footed finish.
It was almost two for Portugal soon after, but Maduka Okoye made a stunning stop at the near post, tipping Bruno Fernandes' stinging volley over the woodwork.
Portugal were eventually made to rue their missed chances as Adams levelled the scoreline eight minutes from half-time, showing great poise to beat the defender before finding the far corner.
Roberto Martinez decided to change things up for the second half and introduced a raft of substitutes, though Ronaldo stayed on.
Portugal took full control from there, with Joao Felix forcing Okoye into a brilliant stop in the 48th minute before rattling the crossbar with a ferocious attempt, with the ball just failing to cross the goal line.
The hosts were finally rewarded with a second goal 15 minutes from time, as Conceicao scored a beauty, gliding past Zaidu Sanusi and in from the right before rifling a low shot into the bottom-left corner.
Martinez's side will now turn their attention to their World Cup Group K opener against DR Congo. Portugal are ranked as fifth favourites to win the tournament, according to Opta's supercomputer.
Ronaldo's blushes spared
It was a day to forget for Ronaldo, with Portugal’s star man having failed to convert any of his four chances in front of goal. The Al-Nassr striker had three shots inside the box, with those worth an expected goals (xG) of 1.19.
In total, Portugal generated chances worth 1.63 xG, showing just how wasteful Ronaldo was.
Ronaldo should have put his side ahead in the opening 10 minutes, but dragged a close-range attempt wide of the left-hand post after Nelson Semedo's bursting run down the right.
The 41-year-old, who has scored 143 international goals, had another golden opportunity to put his side ahead five minutes after the break, but failed to take a touch when played through on goal.
Martinez will be hoping Ronaldo will be more clinical in front of goal at the World Cup, though the Selecao did restrict Nigeria to just five attempts going the other way, with all of those coming in the first half.
