Portugal made a winning start to their World Cup campaign against Angola but were unable to provide the scoreline that was expected.

An early Pedro Pauleta strike was the only goal of the game and the former Portuguese colony did themselves proud keeping the score down, but in the end could have grabbed a shock result.

The game began at a frantic pace with Pauleta almost scoring after 11 seconds. He found space behind the Angolan defence but dragged his shot just wide.

That should have provided a warning to Angola but with only four minutes on the clock Pauleta scored his 47th international goal, providing a nightmare start for the Africans.

An Angolan free-kick was headed back into the path of Luis Figo, the captain then produced a mazy run into the penalty area which opened the defence up. When the ball was squared to Pauleta he took his chance with a clinical finish.

Figo began to orchestrate every move playing in a free role. The former World Player of the Year showed shades of his form that won him that accolade.

In the 24th minute Figo combined brilliantly with Simao Sabrosa on the edge of the Angola area but the Benfica star couldn't keep his shot down.

Angola began to get back into the match but failed to keep their composure when attacking. Their failure to provide a quality final pass was lapped up by the Portuguese.

This resulted in a number of long-range efforts, Andre Macanga providing just one of the wasteful efforts that proved to be no trouble for goalkeeper Ricardo.

Portugal still looked threatening and just before half-time Cristiano Ronaldo struck a rasping right-foot shot that was saved brilliantly by Angola's Ricardo.

Ronaldo was replaced on 60 minutes much to his disappointment, but following his first-half booking Luiz Felipe Scolari was looking ahead to future games.

The second half failed to get going. Portugal began to sit on the lead but Angola could not take the initiative.

Pauleta had a couple of chances midway through the half but did not really connect with either effort.

As the game went into the last 15 minutes it was clear how the match was going to end and both teams knew it. Portugal were happy not to exert themselves while Angola struggled to string three passes together or push players forward.

The last few minutes of the game gave Angola a final chance when Galiano Mateus flicked a volley into the arms of Ricardo while at the other end Nuno Maniche's rasping drive was superbly tipped over by the 'keeper.

In the end Portugal will be happy with the winning start and three points but, like England, will have to look closely at their performance.

For Angola, in their first ever World Cup match, they will be proud they didn't lose by more but might look back at the game as a chance wasted.