Portugal vs. Brazil match promises football feast

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.

``It is going to be a very good game for us and for all football lovers and fans,'' Brazil coach Dunga said Thursday.

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. Brazil is ranked No. 1 in the world and Portugal is No. 3.

``The world's attention has been focussed on this game, taking into account the quality of players both teams have,'' Portugal coach Carlos Queiroz said. ``It's all about beautiful football, the quality of the game and creativity of our players.''

The luster was taken off slightly when midfielder Kaka was sent off in the 88th minute of Brazil's 3-1 win over Ivory Coast, meaning he will be banned from a showdown against Real Madrid teammate Cristiano Ronaldo in Durban.

Portugal midfielder Tiago said Brazil would not have a problem filling Kaka's boots.

``Brazil has a very strong squad,'' Tiago said. ``They have other players who can step into that position.''

Julio Baptista and Daniel Alves played with the main team at training Wednesday, an indication they could replace Kaka and Elano, who is still in doubt after injuring his right ankle against Ivory Coast.

Dunga appeared to have settled Thursday on Baptista as Kaka's replacement.

He ``has already played in the Copa America. He's good in midfield and going forward,'' Dunga said. ``Kaka is unique, but Baptista is good.''

Portugal will be missing injured midfielders Deco and Ruben Amorim, Queiroz said.

Both coaches are hoping the pitch at Moses Mabhida Stadium will be good enough to allow the teams to play their flowing football. The teams were prevented from training in the stadium to preserve a playing surface that is showing signs of wear after hosting four World Cup matches already. It also will host a round of 16 match and one of the semifinals.

``If the pitch is not up to scratch, that's bad for both teams,'' Queiroz said.

Dunga agreed.

``The pitch is one of the important factors that contributes to the beautiful game,'' he said.

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.''

Queiroz was critical of the yellow card shown Ronaldo against Ivory Coast, but said the star would not change the way he plays out of fear of picking up a second yellow and a one-match suspension.

``He has to play his normal football,'' he said.

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 is going to have to attack in order to secure points in this group stage,'' Dunga said.

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.

While Deco has not recovered from a right hip injury, Pepe and Liedson are fit to play.

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,'' midfielder 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.''

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.

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.

Queiroz said his team still remembers that result.

``There is a question of pride. But there is no question of revenge or anything like that,'' he said. ``There will be two great teams on the pitch. When two teams like Brazil and Portugal play, then anything can happen.''

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Associated Press Writers Tales Azzoni in Johannesburg and Barry Hatton in Magaliesburg contributed to this report.