Braga's Mossoro attempts to score against Porto during their Europa League final soccer match at Lansdowne Road in Dublin May 18, 2011. [Photo/Agencies]

Braga was playing in its first major European final after ousting another Portuguese power, Benfica, in the semifinals.

But it couldn't spring a last surprise as the game developed in predictable fashion, with Porto by far the more attacking team from the start while Braga focused on defense and counterattacks.

"We knew pretty well this wasn't going to be easy," Braga coach Domingos Paciencia said. "I'm sad because this team has been working together for three years. We went through unique moments. ... My players who are in the dressing room are also a bit disappointed that we weren't able to win, but we are still proud of ourselves."

Brazilian forward Hulk posed a constant threat with his powerful runs down both flanks, and nearly opened the scoring when he broke into the area from the right in the seventh minute and went past two defenders before sending a shot wide of the far post.

Falcao, meanwhile, was largely anonymous before showing his poacher's instinct to break away from his marker to meet Guarin's cross and break the deadlock.

"The big secret of this team is that we're a big family, a family that gets on well," Falcao said. "We're a very humble team. ... We always play for the good of the entire team, and when we play like that each player will give his best."

The goal forced Braga to switch tactics and Paciencia reacted immediately by sending on Kaka and Mossoro after the break. It nearly paid off within a couple of minutes when Mossoro took advantage of a defensive blunder to go one-on-one with Helton, but the Porto goalkeeper reacted well to save the midfielder's low hard shot with his leg.

While Braga tried to show more attacking ambition, it was Porto that had the best chances for another goal.

Alvaro Pereira had a chance to double the lead in the 71st when he ran into the area to meet a lofted cross from Hulk, but couldn't connect with the ball. Porto substitute Fernando Belluschi tried to finish off a counterattack in the 86th but his shot from just outside the area went wide.

In a last desperate attempt, Braga goalkeeper Artur ran up the field in injury time to meet a free kick into the area but his header was going wide when it was easily scooped up by Helton.