Brazil vs Portugal should be a thriller

DURBAN, South Africa (AP):

Even without one of world football's biggest stars, Portugal's World Cup clash with Brazil promises a feast of skilful, 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 yesterday.

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 focused 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 lustre 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.

Problem

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

"Brazil have 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 yesterday 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 semi-finals.

Portugal, meanwhile, have 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 them a place in the round of 16. They now want to continue their winning ways to top Group G and avoid a possible match against fellow World Cup favourites Spain in the next round.

Portugal are second in the group on four points after starting the tournament with a lacklustre 0-0 draw against Ivory Coast before hitting form against North Korea.