Goalkeeper Ramos the star as Porto hold Palmeiras in Club World Cup | OneFootball

Palmeiras 0-0 FC Porto

FC Porto’s Club World Cup began with a goalless draw with Brazilian giants Palmeiras in New Jersey on Sunday evening, with the Dragons indebted to stand-in goalkeeper Cláudio Ramos for an impressive display.

Ramos was drafted in late to replace injured captain Diogo Costa in Martin Anselmi’s side, as Porto met Abel Ferreira’s much-decorated Palmeiras, who have won multiple trophies under the former Sporting and Braga boss in recent years.

Although the match flattered to deceive in terms of goals, there were chances for both sides, with Palmeiras coming away feeling they should have stolen a winner. The opening five minutes were lively at the MetLife Stadium, where around 46,000 fans were in attendance, representing just over half the venue’s capacity.

In just the 2nd minute, Porto almost caught Palmeiras cold with ball over the top, Fabio Vieira finding Joao Mario, who was denied by goalkeeper Weverton. At the other end, Vitor Roque’s indecision cost him an opportunity moments later, before Palmeiras wonderkid Estevao missed the target when well-placed on his left foot.

Palmeiras’ biggest opportunity came just before the break, during which they somehow failed to score in several instances. Richard Rios and Mauricio both drew saves from Ramos, before Rios again fired the ball towards goal, only for Francisco Moura to clear off the line and keep Porto on level terms heading into half time.

In the second half, Palmeiras again pushed further for the winning goal, but they were met by a stubborn Ramos in the Dragons’ net. Substitute Allan was denied with a low save as the ball headed towards the bottom corner, before defender Murilo thought his header had been well guided inside the post, only for Ramos to claw it away.

Tournament organisers presented the MVP award to Estevao, the teenage sensation of Palmeiras who will join English side Chelsea after the tournament, but for many it was veteran former Tondela goalkeeper Ramos who had the biggest impact on the game.

"It was a fair result, I think we had our chances, they had theirs too, it was a very competitive game, very intense. There were moments when we dominated, we went looking for the result, but then they brought on fresher, more experienced players, they attacked our goal, but I think the result is fair. Ramos? We knew we could count on Cláudio and today he demonstrated it.”

Zé Pedro (FC Porto)

“In the end, I think it is a fitting result, both teams had good chances, I think it clearly demonstrated the quality of both teams. We were unable to score, and neither were they, but it is a point that we have added to our progress. At the end of the day, I have to congratulate everyone for their dedication, for their spirit of sacrifice, so I am sure that we will be happy.

“We were lucky in some situations, and Palmeiras were lucky in others too. No one managed to untie the knot, so we take one point to start a journey that we want to be full of smiles.”

Abel Ferreira (Palmeiras coach)

“When you can't win, as was the case, you don't lose, but honestly, considering what happened during the 90 minutes, I think both teams started out nervous and apprehensive at the same time, although the most obvious chances were for Palmeiras.

“Football is magical. If FC Porto's second goalkeeper has this quality, imagine the first. I think that, without a doubt, the best player in the game was Cláudio Ramos, but that's football. Overall, it was a very competitive game, well-played and, although there were chances for both sides, the most obvious ones belonged to us. We're still in the competition, we're going to the end, today we're taking a point from here.

“We managed to impose our game and, as you saw, in the last 10/15 minutes, we were forceful, we managed to pin FC Porto back, we managed to create opportunities, but we couldn't get past that yellow figure that was between the two posts, the FC Porto goalkeeper. Congratulations to them and congratulations to us, who will analyse this game and see what we can do better for the next one. We'll certainly be more focused next time.”