“We’ve seen how Portugal controlled the game against Brazil, hitting them on the counter-attack,” he said. “Portugal are going to be a very tough side. I take no satisfaction from the fact we’re up against Portugal instead of Brazil.”
They go into the match with midfielder Xabi Alonso still uncertain after spraining his right ankle against Chile. If he fails to recover, 21-year-old Javi Martinez could take his place. Centre-back Raul Albiol is also a doubt for the knockout clash with a shin injury.
Meanwhile, Portugal have their injury worries with striker Danny set to miss the game with a badly bruised leg, but playmaker Deco returns after sitting out against Brazil.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 29th, 2010.
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