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TA'QALI, Malta, Sept 6 (Reuters) - Portugal got their World Cup qualifying campaign off to a classy start on Saturday with a 4-0 victory in Malta.
Second-half strikes from Hugo Almeida, Simao Sabrosa and Nani rubber-stamped a first competitive win for coach Carlos Queiroz after Malta defender Brian Said had scored an own goal to give Portugal a 1-0 halftime lead.
Portugal saw more of the ball in a first half that was interrupted for around 10 minutes due to a power failure at Malta's National Stadium.
Despite their possession, Portugal created only a handful of scoring chances. Their opener came on 25 minutes when Jose Bosingwa, cutting inside from the right, delivered a low cross and Said deflected the ball into his own net as he tried to clear.
Nani came closest to doubling Portugal's lead before halftime but his lob from inside the penalty box drew a fine save from Malta goalkeeper Justin Haber.
Portugal made the points safe 16 minutes into the second half when Almeida doubled their lead with a fierce shot from outside the box.
Quieroz's men cruised through the second half, hitting two more goals to knock the fight out of the tiring Maltese team. Simao Sabrosa made it 3-0 with a close-range shot on 71 minutes after Haber had parried a dangerous shot from Nani who, seven minutes later, fired home Portugal's fourth goal.
Portugal host Denmark in their second Group One qualifier on Wednesday while Malta are away to Albania. The other teams in Group One are Sweden and Hungary.
