Portugal Defeats US 2-0 in Friendly, Streak Hits Eight

ATLANTA — Portugal defeated the United States 2-0 in an international friendly on Tuesday night at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, extending the Americans' losing streak against European opponents to eight matches and raising fresh concerns ahead of their World Cup campaign as co-hosts.

Francisco Trincão opened the scoring in the 37th minute, capitalizing on a backheel pass from Bruno Fernandes after a turnover in midfield. João Félix added a second goal in the 59th minute, volleying a corner kick into the net from the edge of the penalty area while unmarked. The victory came before a crowd of 72,297, largely supporting the home side, and highlighted Portugal's clinical finishing despite the absence of captain Cristiano Ronaldo, who sat out with a hamstring injury, along with Bernardo Silva and Rúben Dias.

The United States, under coach Mauricio Pochettino, started brightly but squandered several opportunities. Christian Pulisic, deployed as a central striker, missed three clear chances in the first half, including a volley from six yards out and a low shot that skimmed wide. He received a yellow card for frustration in stoppage time and was substituted at halftime alongside Weston...