Portugal’s reliance on Ballon d’Or holder Cristiano Ronaldo was apparent again as it began its qualifying campaign for Euro 2016 with a shock home loss to lowly Albania in Group I.
The Portuguese were without the Real Madrid ace who was deemed not fit enough for the match in Aveiro and his absence told in a match Portugal dominated but failed to convert the few chances created.
Sporting Lisbon midfielder Nani shot wide from close range while Vieirinha headed straight at the Albanian goalkeeper in the first half while Pepe headed a flick-on from Vieirinha over just before half time.
Albania had failed to test Rui Patricio in the opening half but found themselves in front seven minutes into the second half when Bekim Balaj fired in a first-time volley from Odise Roshi’s cross.
The goal put more urgency in Portugal’s game as the home side searched for an equaliser, but Fabio Coentrao shot just wide, Ricardo Horta rattled the woodwork and Andre Gomez forced a fingertip save late on as Albania held on for the win.
The shock result leaves Albania second in Group I after the opening round of matches in the group, with Denmark leading by virtue of goals scored after second half efforts from Pierre-Emil Hoejbjerg and Thomas Kahlenberg saw the Danes come from behind to beat Armenia 2-1 in the other group match.
Qualifying continues on Monday night with England guests of Switzerland in a Group E match while Sweden visit Austria and Russia will be at home to Liechtenstein in Group G.