Ronaldo return inspires Portugal past Algeria

With talisman Cristiano Ronaldo back in the side, Portugal strolled to a 3-0 win over Algeria in a World Cup warm-up match in Lisbon on Thursday.

A brace from Paris Saint-Germain forward Goncalo Guedes, who spent last season on loan at Valencia, and another strike from Sporting Lisbon midfielder Bruno Fernandes secured a comfortable success.

It was a welcome boost for the European champions, who hadn't won since March and were held to draws by Tunisia (2-2) and Belgium (0-0) in their previous two friendlies.

Having been given some extra time off following Real Madrid's Champions League final victory over Liverpool, Ronaldo made his 150th international appearance for Portugal.

And his very presence sparked a marked improvement in Portugal's attacking thrust as he was involved in almost every dangerous move the hosts conjured until he was replaced on 74 minutes.

Portugal begin their World Cup campaign in Sochi against Spain on June 15. Algeria did not qualify.

Uruguay cruise to 3-0 win over Uzbekistan

Uruguay will head to the World Cup on a winning note after beating Uzbekistan 3-0 in a chilly warmup in front of their own fans on Thursday.

The win, against a side ranked 81 places below them at 95th in the world, was the third in a row for the South Americans and they have lost just once in their last nine games.

Uruguay got the breakthrough after 31 minutes when Giorgian De Arrascaeta fired home from 15 meters following good work from Edinson Cavani and Luis Suarez.

Suarez doubled their lead eight minutes into the second half when he slotted home a penalty and Jose Maria Gimenez headed home a corner in 72 minutes to make it 3-0.

Uzbekistan were then reduced to 10 men when Komilov Akromjon was sent off.

Uruguay, who won the World Cup in 1930 and 1950, kick off their World Cup campaign on June 15 against Egypt, play Saudi Arabia five days later before rounding out their Group A fixtures against hosts Russia.

Source: (Reuters, Montevideo)