U-20 FIFA World Cup: Porutgal classy in third straight win

Chico Ramos of Portugal fights for the ball with Victor Gutierrez of Colombia in their U-20 FIFA World Cup clash this afternoon. Photo / Getty Images

Portugal brought a touch of class to Otago Stadium with a 3-1 win over Colombia in the Fifa Under-20 World Cup game today.

The Portuguese razzled and dazzled as they produced some moments of brilliance to post a third straight win in Group C.

Their pace and attacking verve was a perfect fit for the surface under the Dunedin roof, and the opening goal came after just three minutes.

Nuno Santos blasted a rocket of a free kick into the net from just outside the box.

The rest of the first half was relatively even. Portugal looked potent on attack, but Colombia ruled the centre of the field and embraced the physical exchanges.

The game was settled in a 10-minute period in the second half that led to two goals for electric forward Andre Silva.

He converted a penalty - the Colombian goalkeeper had clumsily fouled Silva - and then looped in a header following some wonderful build-up play.

Colombia fought back nicely with a well-worked goal to bustling striker Santos Borre, but it was Portugal's day.

A pleasing crowd of about 10,000 is at Otago Stadium for the doubleheader.

Portugal 3 (Nuno Santos 3, Andre Silva 55 pen, 67)
Colombia 1 (Santos Borre 74).

Halftime: 1-0.