Super Mario scores wonder goal but Portugal held by Tunisia

Portugal blew a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with Tunisia in a World Cup warmup game after a sensational strike from Joao Mario.

Boss Fernando Santos, who handed a debut to Benfica’s Ruben Dias and a first start for Leicester City’s Ricardo Pereira, would have been impressed by his side going forward despite the absence of Champions League winner Cristiano Ronaldo.

The mercurial Ricardo Quaresma was on form and set up the opener for AC Milan’s Andre Silva to score with a header.

And despite some defensive frailties, the Euro 2016 winners doubled their lead in spectacular fashion courtesy of West Ham loanee Mario’s rocket from the edge of the box.

Tunisia, who begin their World Cup campaign against England on June 18, responded well and exposed the inexperience of the hosts' defence when Anice Badri finished off a sweeping move to score.

The Eagles of Carthage were the better side in the second period and took advantage of more lax defending and the withdrawal of the experienced Pepe. Substitute Fakhreddine Ben Youssef ghosted behind the back four to equalise from close range following a free-kick.

Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva nearly scored an amazing solo goal but his shot struck the post. But it was the north African side who finished the stronger to give Portugal and Gareth Southgate’s England plenty to think about ahead of the World Cup.

How worried should the Portuguese be about this result? Defensively they do not look as solid as the side that became European champions two years ago. But the Silva lining is the form of striker Andre Silva, who has 12 goals in 21 caps, and they have a string of experienced players to come back including Rui Patricio and one Cristiano Ronaldo.

Mouez Hassen (Tunisia): He commanded his box well, punching the ball clear Superman-style at every opportunity. The Nice keeper also produced a string of saves, in particular to deny Mario, and was not at fault for either of Portugal’s goals.

PORTUGAL: Lopes 5, Pereira 6, Dias 7, Pepe 6, Guerreiro 4, Carvalho 5, João Mário 8, A.Silva 6, B. Silva 7, A. Silva 8, Quaresma 7. Subs: Rui 5, Guedes 5, Cedric 5, Fonte 5, Moutinho n/a.TUNISIA: Hassen 8, Naguez 5, Benalouane 5, Meriah 6, Haddadi 5, Skhiri 6, Sassi 5, Khaoui 5, Badri 8, Sliti 7, Khelifa 6. Subs: Maâloul 6, Ben Youssef 7, Chalili n/a, Srarfi n/a, Akaichi n/a.

10’ - WHAT A CHANCE! A poor clearance from goalkeeper Hassen falls to Quaresma who fires his effort over the bar. He should have done better from there.

22’ - GOAL FOR PORTUGAL! Quaresma's floating cross is headed into the bottom corner by Andre Silva for his 12th goal for his country.

34’ - GOAL FOR PORTUGAL! From a corner, the ball is headed away to Mario who controls it and lashes it into the top corner!

39’ - GOAL FOR TUNISIA! Portugal's defence is pierced easily and an unmarked Badri drills the ball post Lopes with a first time strike from Sliti’s pass.

55’ - SO CLOSE! Bernardo Silva nearly scores an amazing solo goal, twisting and weaving in the box before striking the post with a low effort. The rebound falls to Mario whose shot from close range is blocked by Hassen, it comes out to Silva again who skews his effort over.

64’ - GOAL FOR TUNISIA! Just as Quaresma puts on the armband, Tunisia equalise through sub Ben Youssef.Lopes punches away a Tunisia free-kick from Maaloul, its comes back to him and his delivery into the box allows an unmarked Ben Youssef to slide in to score from five yards out.

78’ – CHANCE! Tunisia going for the winner. Nagguez drives forward with the ball and let fly but his effort goes over the bar.

Tunisia have not beaten a European team since defeating Malta in 1983

Portugal have one win from their last four games.