The EURO 2004 finalists grabbed a hard-fought victor over Angola on Sunday thanks to a fourth-minute strike from Pedro Pauleta.

"It was a difficult game, but that's what we expected," the Brazilian manager said in a post-match press conference.

"Getting an early goal helped us settle, and we created three or four chances, if not more. Angola got better in the second half, and at times they played better than we did."

Portugal played without instrumental midfielder Deco who was sidelined with injury and Scolari said he preferred to save the Barcelona star for advanced stages.

"There was a chance that he (Deco) could aggravate his injury, and at this stage of the tournament, it was more sensible to use other players in his place," he said.

"If it was the Mexico game, and our qualification depended on it, Deco would be fit enough to play."

Angolan Pride

On the other hand, Angola coach Luis Oliveira Goncalves said that one mistake cost his side the game but stressed he is proud of his players.

"I'm proud of my players. I think we played well. Portugal started the game well and forced us into a terrible mistake," he said.

"In the second half, we tried to be more positive because we thought we could put them under pressure and look to snatch a goal.

"We are the underdogs in this group, and what we want to do is make things difficult for all of our opponents."

Portugal and Angola play in Group D that also includes Iran and Mexico.