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.
