Portugal and Brazil match promises football feast

Durban: Even without one of world football`s biggest stars, Portugal`s World Cup clash with Brazil promises

a feast of skillful, attacking football as both teams seek to win and avoid a possible round of 16 clash with Spain. "Portugal and Brazil have what it takes to put on a great football show for the world," Portugal coach Carlos Queiroz said. Not surprisingly, given the pedigree of both teams and their close cultural and historical ties, the match between Brazil and Portugal was one of the first World Cup matches to sell out. The luster was taken off slightly when midfielder Kaka was sent off in the 88th minute of Brazil`s 3-1 defeat of Ivory Coast, meaning he will miss a showdown with Real Madrid teammate Cristiano Ronaldo in Durban tomorrow. Portugal midfielder Tiago said Brazil would not have a problem filling Kaka`s boots. "Brazil has a very strong squad," he said. "They have other players who can step into that position." Portugal, meanwhile, has Ronaldo back in scoring touch, after he broke a two-year international goal drought in his team`s emphatic 7-0 demolition of North Korea. "Without a doubt he is a great player, he has been showing this for a long time," Brazil captain Lucio said. "We need to try to defend as a team, it`s key we help each other and stay focused. We will have to pay attention to a player like Ronaldo and also to the others." Brazil`s defeats of North Korea and Ivory Coast guaranteed it a place in the round of 16. It now wants to continue its winning ways to top Group G and avoid a possible match against fellow World Cup favorite Spain in the next round. Portugal is second in the group on four points after starting the tournament with a lackluster 0-0 draw against Ivory Coast before hitting form against North Korea. That means a draw is enough for a place in the next round, while a victory will see Queiroz`s team win the group. Portugal`s quick passing and silky ball skills have earned the team the reputation of "Brazilians of Europe." Its squad also includes three Brazilian-born players - defender Pepe, midfielder Deco and striker Liedson, though they all could start on the bench. Deco is struggling to recover from a right hip injury before Friday`s match in Durban`s Moses Mabhida Stadium and may miss out even if he is fit after his replacement Tiago gave a standout performance against North Korea. "I don`t know if he`ll be fit in time. I hope he`ll be able to play," Tiago said. "He`s an important player and we`ll miss him if he doesn`t make it." Pepe underwent knee surgery in December and only returned to the national team two weeks ago, while Liedson did not start against North Korea. All three rose to stardom in the Portuguese league and became naturalized Portuguese when Brazil failed to give them an international call-up. "They`re Portuguese, as far as we`re concerned," Tiago said. "They`ve brought quality to the squad. We`re glad they`re on our side." Underscoring the cross-pollination between the two football powers, two members of the Brazil squad, Luisao and Ramires, play for Lisbon club Benfica. "There is always a lot talked about when Brazil and Portugal play," Luisao said. "We will have to play at our best because they have a team with a lot of quality. We have to respect them. Both teams have the goal to finish first so I hope it`s going to be a good match." Brazil has won 12 of the 18 games between the two countries but they have met just once at a World Cup, in 1966 when a Portugal team led by Eusebio beat Brazil and the South Americans were knocked out in the group phase. However, the last time the two met, Brazil beat Portugal 6-2 in Sao Paulo. Brazil has won the World Cup five times, while Portugal`s third place in 1966 is its best finish. Portugal also was a semifinalist four years ago in Germany, losing 1-0 to France. Bureau Report