Portugal Beats World Champions Spain

Portugal earned a satisfying 4-0 win over world-champion neighbors Spain on Wednesday night, while France continued to progress under Laurent Blanc with a 2-1 victory away to England in another friendly.

Spain won the last clash involving the two teams in July on the way to winning the World Cup in South Africa, ending Portugal's 19-match unbeaten run.

But Helder Postiga struck twice after Carlos Martins broke the deadlock before substitute Hugo Almeida advanced the match for Portugal, who have put in a joint bid with Spain to host the 2018 World Cup and are celebrating the 100th year of the Portuguese Republic.

Midfielder Martins volleyed the opening goal right on halftime after Cristiano Ronaldo's shot was only blocked by Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas.

Postiga doubled the lead four minutes after the interval with a intelligent backheel from Joao Moutinho's low right-wing cross, and the Sporting Lisbon striker fired in the third with 22 minutes to play when Spain's guard could not clear.

Almeida then beat the offside trap to assemble Pepe's throughball and beat the onrushing Casillas in the fourth minute of time added on to score his 12th international goal.

It was only Portugal's second win in nine meetings with Spain, who have not won in Lisbon since 1934.
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