Portugal VS Brazil: Queiroz does not shirk from challenge

Posted Friday, June 25, 2010 by PA

Portugal coach Carlos Queiroz believes it will take a monumental effort for his side to upset Brazil and clinch first place in Group G.

The Portuguese need only a point from the game in Durban to be assured of joining Brazil in the last 16 of the World Cup.

"We play against the highest-ranked team in the world," said Queiroz.

"They have tremendous organisation. They are a very solid team, full of outstanding players.

"I think it's going to be a very difficult game for both sides."

Queiroz's side could lose and still go through as their 7-0 triumph over North Korea ensured their goal difference is far superior to Ivory Coast - the only side that can end their World Cup adventure.

However, Queiroz insists his players will go out for the win, determined to top their group.

"Brazil has already qualified and we, on the other hand, still have to progress," he said.

"We are going to try to change the rhythm of Brazil.

"We are not going to play for a draw but we are going out to win."

Despite the absence of star player Kaka through suspension, Queiroz believes Dunga's side is still a team to be feared.

"It has always been Robinho, Luis Fabiano and Kaka," he said.

"What is important to know is who will replace Kaka to conform the golden trio tomorrow."

A triumph over Brazil would be a major boost in confidence for La Seleccao.

"Any victory against Brazil is always an excellent result for any team," said Queiroz. "But even a draw for that matter.

"We just have to use all of our skills and technique."

Queiroz says his team will not go out to avenge their 6-2 defeat they suffered at the hands of Brazil the last time the two nations went head to head, in a friendly in Brasilia back in 2008.

"We have nothing to avenge," he said. "The past doesn't count because this is a World Cup.

"We cannot live in the past.

"We've played many games during this time.

"When we last met them, we had only had opportunity to train for 10 days as a group. We have played 25 games since then and we are unbeaten in 17 matches and have not conceded a goal in 21 games."

Queiroz believes his team's mauling of North Korea has not made his team over-confident.

"When you are able to win 7-0, it's great cause for celebration because it's uncommon today for that to happen," he said.

"But Brazil is not North Korea.

"We just hope to be able to play good football, spectacular football because that is what the World Cup is all about."

Despite being a booking away from missing the knock-out round should his team qualify, Queiroz will not save star player Cristiano Ronaldo.

"Portugal are playing with a view to qualify," said Queiroz.

"Ronaldo has to play his normal football and play just as he did in the game where he picked up a yellow card."

Queiroz will be without injured Deco, with the Brazil-born midfielder still struggling with a hip injury.

"All of my players are available with the exception of those two," he said. "We hope and believe that Deco will be able to recover in time for the knock-out round."

Regardless of the result, Queiroz believes the fans at the Moses Mabhida stadium can expect to be treated.

"Even our friendly games against them, it has always been great entertainment," he said.

"But anything can happen.

"We will try to erase the prestige of Brazil and honour our country."

Brazil have already progressed to the last 16 but coach Dunga is still feeling plenty of pressure ahead of tomorrow's final Group G showdown against Portugal.

The Canarinha, winners of their opening two games, are in first place and two points clear of second-top Portugal.

Brazil have had so much success over the years, draws are never good enough for their fans and they certainly do not accept defeats.

"Brazil has to win, otherwise I am going to have tremendous problems," said Dunga.

"We have no other option, we play to win, we must play to win.

"The important thing is we play the best we can."

Dunga has reminded his players he will not tolerate indiscipline from now on.

Brazil will be without star player Kaka as he serves a one-match ban after being sent off for a double booking against the Ivory Coast.

"Since the qualifying matches, we have to start our games with 11 players and finish them with 11 players," he said.

"Having said that I would like to reiterate Kaka did not show any kind of nervousness against the Ivory Coast.

"I think he played a balanced game and he got his first yellow card after being fouled and then he got a second card even though Kaka did not provoke his rival."