Spain, Portugal register wins in friendlies

Faro, Portugal: Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 36th international goal and Nelson Oliveira scored his first as Portugal beat Panama 2-0 on a day of international friendlies where the world and European champions Spain beat Puerto Rico 2-1.

Ronaldo span around on the edge of the area and fired a half-volley past Jaime Penedo in the 51st minute after Panama midfielder Gabriel Gomez was sent off for elbowing Joao Moutinho.

Oliveira, viewed as one of Portugal's up-and-coming players for the 2014 World Cup, put the host ahead in the 30th with a left-foot shot on his first start.

Ronaldo scored his 36th international goal in Portugal\'s 2-0 win over Panama, while Spain beat Puerto Rico 2-1.

Portugal's dominance was never in doubt at the Algarve Stadium in southern Portugal, though Panama striker Edwin Aguilar occasionally rattled the home team's defence. Coach Paulo Bento made six changes to the team that lost in a penalty shootout against Spain in the semi-finals of the European Championship in June.

The match marked the start of Portugal's preparations to qualify for the World Cup. Portugal are in qualifying Group F for the tournament in Brazil. They will face Russia, Israel, Northern Ireland, Azerbaijan and Luxembourg.

With a one-man advantage, Portugal were rarely troubled, though they squandered a series of chances to extend their lead, with Ronaldo, Ruben Micael and Hugo Almeida guilty of poor finishing while Nani hit the goal frame. At the other end, Alberto Quintero forced a reflex save from goalkeeper Beto in the 67th.

In Bayamon, Santi Cazorla and Cesc Fabregas scored first-half goals to give Spain a 2-1 exhibition win over hosts Puerto Rico in their first match since winning the European Championship last month.

Cazorla, preparing for his Arsenal debut, scored in the 42nd minute and Fabregas doubled the lead in the 45th with a low volley. Marc Cintron scored 19 minutes into the second half for Puerto Rico, beating goalkeeper Pepe Reina.

While Spain are the top-ranked team in the world, Puerto Rico are ranked 138th.

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