Portugal's Pauleta celebrates after he scored his side's goal during the Group D match between Angola and Portugal at the soccer World Cup 2006 at World Cup Stadium in Cologne, Germany, June 11, 2006. (Xinhua Photo)

    COLOGNE, June 11 (Xinhua) -- Portugal beat Angola 1-0 in their opening World Cup match to move level on points with Mexico at the top of Group D.

    Pedro Pauleta, who almost scored after just 12 seconds, gave Portugal the lead in the fourth mintue with a neat shot after Luis Figo broke clear from the middle and dished out an immaculate cross.

    Cristiano Ronaldo hit the bar with a thumping header for Portugal in the 35th minute, and nine minutes later the United Manchester winger cut a distraught figure after seeing his powerful drive parried by Angola goalkeeper Joao Ricardo.

    The second half never quite lived up to the first half's promise though Pauleta and Maniche went close for Portugal.

    Portugal coach Felipe Scolari conceded Angola were more competitive than Portugal had anticipated.

    He praised for Angola and stressed the important feature was ensuring Portugal collected all three points.

    "The game was more competitive than expected," said Scolari.

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