The omens were not good as World Cup dark horses Portugal were shocked by Cape Verde Islands at home when they were held to a goalless draw despite fielding a virtually full strength lineup which included former World Player of the Year Cristiano Ronaldo.

The result will intensify calls for coach Carlos Queiroz to step down although it is already too late. The former Real Madrid manager has flattered to deceive during his time in charge of Portugal and was only saved by a determined team display during their last few qualifiers before reaching the World Cup finals via the play-offs.

Queiroz put out his best side against the largely unknowns from Africa, including Cristiano Ronaldo and several players from top European sides like Ricardo Carvalho (Chelsea), Miguel Veloso (Sporting), Nani (Manchester United), Deco and Liedson.

The only relatively inexperienced player was left back Fabio Coentrao earning his second senior cap.

To their credit, Portugal created most of the chances and had Cape Verde Islands with their backs to the wall for almost the entire match. But failure to take their chances including a host of chances for Ronaldo and Nani will give their fans and Queiroz plaenty to think about in the weeks remaining before their opening game against Ivory Coast on June 15 in South Africa.

There was even time for a minor substitution gaffe by Queiroz as Tiago had to go off injured in the 75th minute with Portugal having used up all their substitutes allotted for a friendly. The rest of the game saw the hosts play with just 10 men, causing more frustration as lack of numbers prevented them from making even greater penetration.

Portugal will now face two more friendlies – also against African opponents – before completing their preparations for the tournament. Queiroz will be hoping his players get sharper and fitter and get more convincing results or they may have to endure another miserable campaign in a major tournament.

Cameroon will be their next opponent on June 1 before another apparently easier team to play against – Mozambique – on June 8. If the Portuguese remain lacklustre in front of goal, they could find surviving the Group of Death an impossible task with North Korea and Brazil making up the rest of the quartet.

Tags: Cape Verde Islands, Cristiano Ronaldo, Match Highlights, Match Review, Portugal, World Cup, World Cup 2010