Portugal 1-0 Azerbaijan: Own goal gives Portugal victory
- Published
Portugal took the lead through an own goal just before half time
Reigning European champions Portugal made a winning start to their World Cup qualifying campaign as they edged a stubborn Azerbaijan.
Maksim Medvedev's unfortunate own goal proved the difference when a punched clearance by goalkeeper Shahrudin Mahammadaliyev hit the defender and deflected into his own net.
Cristiano Ronaldo failed to score on a frustrating night for him.
The Juventus forward went closest when his overhead kick went over the bar.
He also saw a free-kick deflected wide and a strong shot kept out by Mahammadaliyev as he looked to add to his international tally.
Ronaldo is seven behind all-time leading international scorer Ali Daei, who has 109 goals.
Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes and Atletico Madrid's Joao Felix were also denied by the excellent Mahammadaliyev.