Tue, Sep 11, 2007 - Page 20 News List

Scotland hammer much-improved Portugal

AP , ST. ETIENNE, FRANCE

Rory Lamont scored twice in three minutes to set the tone for Scotland's opening 56-10 win over Portugal at the World Cup on Sunday.

The flying fullback scored the opening points, joining the backline as it shredded Portugal's somewhat disorganized defense in the 12th minute.

When Lamont scored his next, another World Cup scoring blowout seemed inevitable.

But while Scotland dominated possession and territory, the difference was not reflected on the scoreboard until late -- Portugal offered some plucky opposition in their World Cup debut, and the Scots squandered opportunities.

"The Portuguese were playing a cup final today," Scotland coach Frank Hadden said. "We always knew it would be extremely difficult and very awkward. And they proved it."

Portugal coach Tomaz Morais said his lineup had improved exponentially since its last match against a major European rival, versus Italy last October.

"Against Italy, Portugal could hardly do anything in 80 minutes," he said. "During the first 20 minutes of the second half, we managed to dominate against Scotland. This is incredible evolution."

"I think the world of rugby was expecting a worse defeat for us today. Perhaps they weren't expecting such a physical Portugal team," Morais said.

Scotland made the most of their chances from the set pieces in the first half.

Lamont burst through two defenders and over another to open the scoring after Scotland spread the ball wide from a quick free-kick following a scrum infringement.

He went wider the second time, utilizing an overlap situation and palming off two defenders en route to the right corner.

A third try was disallowed because of obstruction in the 22nd.

The Scots were over again two minutes later, though, when hooker Scott Lawson ran onto a high, crossfield kick from flyhalf Dan Parks into the left corner to make the score 21-0.

Portugal's first World Cup points followed a Scottish fumble.

After some sustained attack in its first foray into the attacking quarter, flyhalf Duarte Cardoso Pinto hit the line, popped a pass up to Pedro Carvalho, who reached over for Portugal's try in the 29th minute.

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