Portugal boss Fernando Santos hailed the impact made by Joao Felix against Azerbaijan and said no conclusions can be made following his side's unconvincing 1-0 win.
Santos claimed his 50th victory in charge of Portugal in his 80th match thanks to Maksim Medvedev's first-half own goal in Wednesday's World Cup 2022 qualifying fixture at the Allianz Stadium in Turin.
The European champions managed 14 shots on target - compared to none for Azerbaijan - but struggled to find a way past inspired goalkeeper Sahruddin Mahammadaliyev.
Despite the slender nature of the scoreline against a side ranked 108th in the world, Santos insisted picking up three points in the Group A opener is all that counts.
"We won, which was the most important thing," he told RTP. "These games can be difficult.
"I expected to win more comfortably, but we must not draw conclusions. We can see what went well and didn't.
"In the first half we controlled things, though sometimes we could have built attacks better
"I think that in the first half Azerbaijan didn't even pass the midfield mark. The team was well organised, compact, reacted well to losing the ball.
"The game was controlled, but we lacked when it came to creating certain chances.
"Azerbaijan started playing in the second half. At that moment we were not so strong in the recovery and we allowed three or four attacks."
Joao Felix was brought on for Andre Silva 15 minutes from time and completed 12 of his 14 passes, 11 of those attempted passes in the opposition half.
Santos felt the Atletico Madrid forward made a telling impact on the game, even if it was a familiar tale for Portugal as Mahammadaliyev made a string of late saves.
"The team improved with the entry of Joao," Santos said. "There was more circulation to our play and he played a part in one of our best moves - it was brilliant."
Portugal have now won five games in a row against Azerbaijan without conceding and have lost just two of their last 25 matches since the last World Cup.
The Selecao turns their focus to Saturday's trip to second seeds Serbia, who beat the Republic of Ireland 3-2 to join Portugal on three points at the top of Group A.
Santos added: "Entering that game with victory was essential and now we are going to talk as a group and analyse the game.
"The Serbia match will be different [to the Azerbaijan one], but I always maintain confidence in my players."
Azerbaijan had drawn their previous four games by the same 0-0 scoreline and head coach Giovanni De Biasi is taking confidence from the narrow loss to Portugal.
"I am happy and disappointed," he told UEFA.com "We tried to play our football only in the second half. Never say never, football is made of dreams and we can qualify."
Rodgers pleased with Engles debut as Celtic continue perfect start
Brendan Rodgers was encouraged by Arne Engels' debut after he scored from the penalty spot to continue Celtic's perfect start to the Scottish Premiership season with a 2-0 victory over Hearts.
After dominating the opening exchanges, the hosts were offered the chance to take the lead from 12 yards early in the second half.
Nicolas Kuhn's cross was blocked by the hand of James Penrice, with Engels making no mistake from the spot to net his first Celtic goal since his switch from Augsburg.
Luke McCowan confirmed the triumph in the 89th minute, also scoring his first goal for the club, with Rodgers pleased with the pair, but showering particular praise on Engels.
"He's here playing in the eight position," Rodgers said. "He's here with legs and energy and power, he should be able to score goals for us. A good performance from him."
But the encounter could have taken on a much different complexion after the visitors were awarded a penalty of their own in the first half.
Lawrence Shankland's header came off Liam Scales' arm, only for VAR to overturn the decision, and Rodgers believed the right call was eventually made.
"When the referee gives it, it’s always going to be looked at," Rodgers said.
"The ball hits Liam Scales up towards the shoulder on that sleeve part and that’s not a penalty. By the rule, the officials were correct."
Rodgers' side are top of the table with 15 points, ahead of Aberdeen on goal difference, and return to Champions League action on Wednesday when they welcome Slovan Bratislava to Celtic Park in their opening match of the competition.
Ten Hag hails 'ketchup bottle' Rashford after ending goal drought
Erik ten Hag saluted "ketchup bottle" Marcus Rashford after the Manchester United forward ended his goal drought in their victory at Southampton.
Rashford doubled United's lead at St Mary's when he curled a 20-yard effort past Aaron Ramsdale, while Matthijs de Ligt and Alejandro Garnacho were also on target for the visitors.
It was the 26-year-old's 132nd goal for the club, but first since he found the net in the Red Devils' FA Cup victory over Liverpool at Old Trafford.
Rashford was the subject of criticism for his performance in United's 3-0 defeat against the Reds prior to the international break.
However, Ten Hag felt that "negativity" was unjustified and is backing his forward to build momentum, referencing an analogy once utilised by Cristiano Ronaldo.
"It's very important we don't pay attention to what the outside world is saying, but there was too much negativity about him," the Dutchman said of Rashford.
"He created two great chances in that game [the defeat to Liverpool]. In other games this season, he has played very well.
"He deserved that goal [against Southampton], but he had to work for it. That is what he is doing, and then you get a reward.
"Once, a striker was talking about a ketchup bottle; once it's going, it’s coming more."
"He has already scored so many goals for Manchester United. At his age, the number of goals is amazing, and I'm sure he will score many more goals."
Tivoli Gardens young prospect Delano Daley among three killed in fiery crash
Tivoli Gardens Football Club has been plunged into mourning as one of their young talents, Delano Daley, died in a car accident on Saturday morning.
The tragic loss of Daley, who was signed from Waterhouse Football Club, comes on the eve of the 2024/25 Wray and Nephew-sponsored Jamaica Premier League (JPL) season, which is scheduled to kick off on Sunday.
Daley’s sister and another relative also perished the incident, which reportedly occurred at the intersection of Eastwood Park Road and Burlington Avenue in the vicinity of the Half-Way Tree Primary School.
Though the identities of the individuals were not initially ascertained, the West Kingston club revealed that Daley and the others were the occupants of the vehicle, which caught fire.
“Our new addition, Delano Daley, was taken from us too soon in a car accident this morning. Our Tivoli Gardens family is heartbroken and mourns the loss of this bright and promising star. His sister and cousin also passed in the tragic accident. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family, friends, and teammates during this difficult time. May Delano’s memory live on in our hearts,” the club said in a social media post.
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