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European champions Portugal edge stubborn Azerbaijan

SMA NEWS – FIFA

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.

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