Ivory Coast 0-0 Portugal
Ivory Coast and Portugal contested a goalless draw in a cagey opening game to the World Cup's so-called group of death at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.
With Brazil also in Group G, it was obvious that both sides were desperate to avoid defeat and there was an extent to which both teams cancelled each other out.
It was the first competitive fixture of Sven-Goran Eriksson's short spell in charge of the Elephants and he can be pleased with the unity and discipline his side showed, particularly with talismanic striker Didier Drogba missing from the starting line-up.
The Chelsea striker, who broke his arm on 4 June, came on after the break to huge cheers from the far-from-capacity Port Elizabeth crowd, but he had limited chance to make an impact on the game.
Ivory Coast were courageous in defence - Didier Zokora, for example, receiving a kick in his arm after bravely heading a cross that Liedson tried to volley - and showed an organisation and discipline in their play that suggested talk of fractures in their squad are wide of the mark.
Portugal, third in the Fifa rankings but who only made it to South Africa after a play-off victory over Bosnia-Hercegovina, should perhaps have tried to capitalise on Drogba's absence.
They did come closest to scoring when Cristiano Ronaldo struck a post, but there was little to suggest an upsurge from their patchy form during qualifying.
It was a match that desperately needed an early goal to force one team to abandon the tactical caginess that has been a feature of the opening round of fixtures.
It almost arrived when Ronaldo's 25-yard strike after 10 minutes swerved and dipped, easily defeating Boubacar Barry but finding the woodwork an altogether more difficult opponent.
It would have been a stunning end to a precise and swift build-up from the Portuguese - but it proved to be the high watermark in the match.
There were glimpses of real attacking intent from both sides, but all too often defensive and midfield players remained pinned back.
It left little room for the opposition to exploit with swift counter-attacking moves, while Ronaldo soon started to become frustrated with the close attention he received.
The Portuguese captain and Guy Demel were both booked after a brief confrontation, with Ronaldo perhaps a little unfortunate after referee Jorge Larrionda failed to spot a clear foul by the Ivorian moments earlier.
Portugal, who only managed 17 goals in their 10 qualifying games, failed to test Barry again after Ronaldo's early shot until the Elephants keeper stopped a weak header from the largely anonymous Liedson after 57 minutes.
Raul Meireles, industrious in midfield, had a shot deflected wide, while Ronaldo, who has not found the net for Portugal since February 2009, missed the target with a free-kick.
Ivory Coast, who conceded twice in every game during their debut appearance at a World Cup in 2006, had only mustered errant long-range strikes from Siaka Tiene and Ismael Tiote during the opening 45 minutes.
However, they made a more incisive opening to the second half and the impressive Gervinho drilled a strike across the face of goal, while Salomon Kalou was inches away from connecting with a cross from the right and finally forced Eduardo into action with a low shot from the edge of the box.
And it was the Ivorians who finished the game on top, without actually managing to break the deadlock.
Drogba stretched to reach a through ball but his attempted shot ended up being more of a cross even though he was little more than eight yards out.
Nani is OUT
The Manchester United winger had missed Saturday's training session by precaution after sustaining a shoulder injury which did not look serious enough to rule him out of the tournament.
However, medical tests undergone this morning to learn the real extent of the problem revealed Nani will not be able to take part in Portugal's World Cup campaign.
An FPF statement read: "Following the injury involving the left clavicle sustained by the player Nani and after monitoring his progress on a daily basis, with the completion of additional tests, we have concluded the competitive inability of the player. The medical file will be presented to the medical department of Manchester United."
The decision comes as a major blow to Portugal's chances in South Africa as Nani, who scored against Cameroon a week ago, had been in scintillating form of late.
Amorim had been on stand-by since Friday, and will board a plane to South Africa still today to join up with the rest of the Seleccao.
The 25-year-old centre midfielder, who can also operate on the right side of the defence and midfield, has been called up for the first time to represent Portugal's main squad, having previously played for the Seleccao's Under-21 and B squads.
Portugal, who find themselves in Group G alongside Brazil, North Korea and Cote d'Ivoire, will kick off their campaign against the Elephants on June 15th.
Portugal announces 24 member squad
Portugal coach Carlos Queiroz has named a 24-man list of players ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, of whom 23 will make the final cut.
The main surprises in Queiroz's call-up list come in the form of Benfica goalkeeper Quim and Sporting CP playmaker Joao Moutinho, both of whom have been omitted from the list.
Queiroz has named a provisional 24-man squad for the World Cup as Real Madrid stopper Pepe remains in doubt for the competition in South Africa. Should he be fit in time for the tournament, either Ze Castro or Ricardo Costa are expected to be left out.
Portugal, who have been draw in Group G along with Ivory Coast, Brazil and North Korea, will kick off their World Cup campaign against the Elephants on June 15th at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth.
The Seleccao will gather in Covilha in just four days' time, with the players still involved in club commitments authorized to join up with the rest of the squad on May 19th.
Before the start of the tournament in South Africa, Portugal will play three friendly matches: against Cape Verde, on May 24th, Cameroon on June 1st, and Mozambique, on June 8th.
Portugal World Cup squad
Goalkeepers
Eduardo Sporting de Braga
Daniel Fernandes Iraklis
Beto FC Porto
Defenders
Miguel Valencia
Ricardo Costa Lille
Paulo Ferreira Chelsea
Ricardo Carvalho Chelsea
Bruno Alves FC Porto
Rolando FC Porto
Ze Castro Deportivo
Pepe Real Madrid
Midfielders
Fabio Coentrao SL Benfica
Duda Malaga
Pedro Mendes Sporting CP
Tiago Juventus
Deco Chelsea
Raul Meireles FC Porto
Miguel Veloso Sporting CP
Simao Sabrosa Atletico Madrid
Danny Zenit
Nani Manchester United
Forwards
Cristiano Ronaldo Real Madrid
Liedson Sporting CP
Hugo Almeida Werder Bremen
