Having suffered a demoralizing 0-0 draw with Cape Verde in their previous friendly, Portugal were looking to bounce back against Cameroon. Samuel Eto’o started for Cameroon having missed the previous friendly.
The opening minutes were played at a frenetic pace. Portugal determined to do some early damage. Cristiano Ronaldo in particular seemed dangerous as he was fed through the middle by Deco only to be stopped dead by Nicolas N’Kolou. Again Ronaldo tested the goalkeeper with a well drilled shot just a few minutes later but Kameni stretched and made a good save.
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In the 32nd minute Simao Sabrosa sent in a delicious low cross for Raul Mereiles to volley home and give the Seleccao the lead.
It immediately got worse for Cameroon as star man Eto’o was given two quickfire yellow cards; one for protesting and another for a malicious tackle on Duda and was sent off.
Portugal continued to dominate 10 man Cameroon but could not extend their lead. The half ended 1-0.
The second period began with a flurry of substitutions made by Portugal as Liedson, Simao and Paulo Ferreira made way for Danny, Nani and Miguel. Meireles got his second a minute into the second half with a fine shot into the top right-hand corner from a tight angle.
Cameroon were not out of it yet though as Pierre Webo scored a fine headed goal as he jumped between 2 defenders to head home Assou-Ekotto’s cross.
This seemed to shake Portugal from their reverie and Ronaldo and Nani combined to score once again for the European nation, Nani sending the ball over Kameni’s head and into the goal.
Portugal seem to have got their act together again after a well deserved victory over Cameroon. With the world’s best player Cristiano Ronaldo leading the line ably supported by the rest of the talented Portugal squad they could go far in this tournament if they manage to get out of their group.
Cameroon already having a hard task set in front of them but were done no favours at all by their star player Samuel Eto’o. Being sent off childishly for a totally avoidable reason potentially cost his team a win as Cameroon had to play the better part of the match with ten men. Based on this performance Cameroon will have a tough time and look to be headed for an early flight back from South Africa.
