A CROWD approaching 200 peered through the fog to watch Portugal win the opening Blackhorse Offshore World Cup 2006 Group A football match last night, 2-0 against Ireland at St Brelade.

In extremely poor visibility, Nelio De Freitas’ side won with a goal in each half from former Muratti star Yazalde ‘Ali’ Santos and José-Manuel Vieira.

The inter-community tournament, which involves players who are nationals or first generation, will also involve Island residents representing Scotland, Poland, Jersey and England.

Portugal manager Nelio De Freitas said: ‘We should have had the game wrapped up at half time, Ali and José should each have had a hat-trick.

‘But they were denied by excellent goalkeeping from Greg Forster.

He pulled off four of five good saves including a stunner to push out a 25-yard shot from Vitor Santos.

‘Ireland played all the football in the second half and we managed to get our second late on.

They had some tall players and they caused us big problems at corners.’ Santos received a pass from Vieira to lift the ball over Forster for Portugal’s first before Santos returned the favour putting Vieira through for him to round the goalkeeper to make it 2-0.

Ireland manager Frank McNeaney said: ‘Two-nil was not a true reflection, we frustrated them first half and had some very good chances from corners in the second period.

‘We pinned them back for long period and Ray Grant was denied by a great save from goalkeeper Carlos Rebelo.

‘Late on we lost Paul Lennon with a rib injury, but it was a good performance for our first time together and we’re looking forward to playing England tomorrow night.’ Pedro Lopes impressed for Portugal at right back while teenager Sean Doran excelled on the left of midfield for Ireland.

Ireland: Greg Forster; Liam Whelan, Jerry O’Shea, Ray Grant, Colm Brady; Micky Kirk, Paul Lennon, Noel Kernan, Sean Doran; Adam Flynn, Sean-Paul Downey.

Subs used: Liam Kelly, Paul O’Reilly, Sean Killian and Davy Murray.

Portugal: Carlos Rebelo; Pedro Lopes, José Costa, Artur Calaca, Robbie Fernandes; Kevin Gouveia, Marco Varela, Carlos Carolo, Vitor Santos; Yazalde Santos, José-Manuel Vieira.

Subs used: Helio Freitas, Helder Pelagio, Toni Cardoso and Gabby Marques.

Officials: Ian Solomon, Barry Breuilly, Simon Crossley.

Scotland play Poland in the opening Group B match tonight, at La Hague Manor, kick-off 6.30.

The Scots, managed by Pat Brennan, have a powerful-looking squad, but will be unable to field their Muratti squad players until after next Monday.

Poland only have four players with experience of Jersey football, but coach Ian Horswill has been amazed by the spirit shown in training.

Tonight’s squads are: Scotland: James Keating, Martin Forbes, James O’Haire, James Scott jnr, Steve Jones, Danny Hughes, Ross Logie, Aaron Scott, Darren Swanson, Jordan Docherty, Craig Russell, Paul Aitken, Jimmy Reilly, Jack Boyle, Matthew Swinburn, Ross Crick, Dave Brodie, Ryan Lumsden, Craig Leitch and Mark Brown.

Poland: Andrezj Czapiga, David Stavicki, Henry Kowolski, Jamie Kyle, Jarek Mloiyka, Kamil Adamczuk, Krzysztof Czyrny, Lucjan Dlugosz, Maciek Gwiolch, Maciek Mumot, Marcin Targiel, Martyn White, Michael Partyczwy, Michael Zawozymski, Pawel Koba, Pawel Smetoch, Pawel Wydro, Robert Pawladi and Tomasz Roojoz.