Portugal manager Luiz Felipe Scolari insisted his adopted nation's narrow win over World Cup debutants Angola was the perfect start to their World Cup campaign.

The Brazilian was more than aware that many people in Portugal had expected to cheer more than Pauleta's fourth-minute opener, which ended up separating the two sides.

But he pointed out that no major nation had yet enjoyed a goal-fest at the hands of less-fancied opposition.

He said: "A victory even by the narrowest margin is excellent. That's what we wanted - three points in the bag.

"If you look at the results of the other matches so far, no team has won their game easily. Take Sweden for example - one of the best teams in the world. They drew with Trinidad and Tobago, who were a well-organised team."

Pauleta had almost opened the scoring in the very first minute as Angola showed their nerves and a number of chances came Portugal's way throughout the first half.

But they threatened only occasionally after the break as Angola grew in confidence.

Scolari added: "The game was complicated, as we had expected. The early goal gave us peace of mind and we created three or four clear opportunities after that but couldn't score with any of them.

"In the second half the Angolan team improved, and at a certain stage were better than we were, but the major goal opportunities were still created by our side."

Angola coach Luis Oliveira Goncalves declared himself satisfied by his players' endeavours.

He said: "Portugal won deservedly but my players played with a lot of pride.

"Angola played to their best level and we want to improve in each game. I can't say Portugal played below-par but Angola played well."