Figo gives Portugal friendly win over Macedonia

A goal by midfielder Luis Figo earned Portugal a 1-0 victory over Macedonia in a friendly international on Wednesday.

Figo scored in the 24th minute, running into the penalty area to collect a back-heeled return pass from Sergio Conceicao and side-footing home a low drive from 15 metres.

The game was Portugal's third under Brazilian World Cup-winning coach Luiz Felipe Scolari, who is under contract until they finish hosting next year's European championships and follows the 2-1 win over Brazil in Oporto on Saturday.

"You cannot compare this match with the one against Brazil," said Scolari. "We played a very defensive team this time and they were very good at blocking all the way to their goal.

"They defended very well but we need this kind of test for our team to get used to playing against weaker opposition.

"I liked the way we played in the first half, the second half not so good, but we did our job and had several chances to score," he added.

Real Madrid's Figo was creator as well as scorer and found Pauleta shortly before the break, but Macedonia goalkeeper Petar Milosevski parried his header against the left post.

Macedonia were persistent enough to stay out of trouble for most of the game, but rarely threatened to score.

Their best chance came in the second half when striker Artim Sakiri -- who embarrassed England during their 2-2 Euro 2004 qualifying draw last October -- forced a save from Portugal's Ricardo with a shot from the edge of the area.

Milosevski denied Portugal's substitute winger Simao, who was on target with a long-range free kick after replacing Figo just before the hour, as was midfielder Deco in injury time.

"At the end of these two matches I am pleased with the attitude of the players and I believe we are on the right track for Euro 2004," said Scolari.