Friendly Roundup

Figo's goal gives Portugal win over Macedonia

LAUSANNE, Switzerland (Reuters) -- A goal by midfielder Luis Figo earned Portugal a 1-0 victory over Macedonia in a friendly international on Wednesday.

Figo scored in the 24th minute, running into the penalty area to collect a back-heeled return pass from Sergio Conceicao and side-footing home a low drive from 15 metres.

The game was Portugal's third under Brazilian World Cup-winning coach Luiz Felipe Scolari, who is under contract until they finish hosting next year's European championships and follows the 2-1 win over Brazil in Oporto on Saturday.

"You cannot compare this match with the one against Brazil," said Scolari. "We played a very defensive team this time and they were very good at blocking all the way to their goal.

"They defended very well but we need this kind of test for our team to get used to playing against weaker opposition.

"I liked the way we played in the first half, the second half not so good, but we did our job and had several chances to score," he added.

Real Madrid's Figo was creator as well as scorer and found Pauleta shortly before the break, but Macedonia goalkeeper Petar Milosevski parried his header against the left post.

Macedonia were persistent enough to stay out of trouble for most of the game, but rarely threatened to score.

Their best chance came in the second half when striker Artim Sakiri -- who embarrassed England during their 2-2 Euro 2004 qualifying draw last October -- forced a save from Portugal's Ricardo with a shot from the edge of the area.

Milosevski denied Portugal's substitute winger Simao, who was on target with a long-range free kick after replacing Figo just before the hour, as was midfielder Deco in injury time.

"At the end of these two matches I am pleased with the attitude of the players and I believe we are on the right track for Euro 2004," said Scolari.

Ukraine edges Latvia 1-0 with late penalty

KIEV, Ukraine (Reuters) -- Ukraine boosted their sagging morale with a 1-0 victory over Latvia in a friendly international on Wednesday.

Spartak Moscow midfielder Maxim Kalinichenko scored from the spot with nine minutes remaining to settle an even game between the two former Soviet republics.

The Ukrainians, playing without injured striker Andriy Shevchenko, were matched stride for stride by Latvia who are surprise leaders of their Euro 2004 qualifying group.

But the issue was settled when Denis Onishchenko was fouled in the box and Kalinichenko converted from the spot.

Ukraine drew 2-2 with Spain on Saturday in a Group Six qualifier -- a result that left them a point behind the Spaniards who also have a game in hand.

AC Milan striker Shevchenko pulled out of Wednesday's friendly after aggravating an old leg injury against Spain.

Venezuela maintains good form with win over Jamaica

The South Americans, whose run was interrupted on Saturday by a 2-0 defeat against the United States, extended their unbeaten home record to nine matches with first-half goals from Gabriel Urdaneta and Ricardo Paez, son of coach Richard Paez.

Urdaneta converted an 11th-minute penalty controversially awarded for a foul while Paez scored a brilliant individual goal seven minutes before halftime.

The Reggae Boyz, fielding a team of home-based players, came to life after halftime but could not find a way past goalkeeper Miguel Sanhouse.

Pizarro scores twice as Peru gains revenge on Chile

Pizarro, whose last goal for his country was in a World Cup qualifier at home to Ecuador in June 2001, struck with two well-taken goals inside the penalty area in the 48th and 49th minutes, atoning for several misses in the first half.

Peru, without injured Newcastle midfielder Nolberto Solano, had taken the lead in the 17th minute from Henry Quinteros, who snapped up a rebound.

The home team, playing their third game under Brazilian coach Paulo Autuori, dominated the game and created numerous chances.

 

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