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World Cup 2010: Portugal coach Carlos Queiroz expecting 'classic' against Brazil
Portugal coach expecting spectacular encounter…
24 Jun 2010 21:43:00
By Rupert Fryer and Ewan Macdonald
Ahead of his side’s final World Cup Group G fixture with Brazil tomorrow, Portugal coach Carlos Queiroz has revealed he is expecting a classic encounter.
“According to reports that I've heard since the World Cup draw, the world's attentions have been focused on this game, the Brazil-Portugal game,” he told Goal.com’s Ewan Macdonald at today's press conference.
“Taking into account the quality of the players we both have, we hope to play spectacular football. At the end of the day that's what the World Cup is about: the players, beautiful football, the technical quality of the game and the creativity of our players.
“If it's an offensive Brazil and we have possession, sure, it would be easier,” continued Queiroz.
“But I know that the team we meet is a very solid team, a very organised team, with outstanding players. Their football is realistic.”
With Brazil set to take on their old colonial masters, there has been talk that the players sense the encounter is being setup as somewhat of a grudge match, though Queiroz was quick to downplay the historical aspect, both on the pitch and off it.
“No,” he said, when asked whether his side will be playing for honour.
“I agreed with the statement that ‘it is a question of pride’. We aren't looking for revenge, because the past doesn't count,” he said.
“Portugal has played Brazil a few times. We won in London and lost in Brazil. That shows that we have two great teams. Even those friendly games, it was a privilege to watch them.”
The coach also fielded questions on whether he would risk Cristiano Ronaldo and Hugo Almeida who are one booking away from a second round suspension.
“No matter what the decision that I might ultimately take is, I'm not taking previous yellow cards into account,” he said.
“All my players are fit to play except Ruben Amorim, who is injured, and Deco who is also not able to play tomorrow as he's still injured. We believe and hope that after this game Deco can play again. Our main concern on the match is to secure qualification.”
Finally, the coach insisted that his side would try to win the game.
"We will try to change Brazil's rhythm," he said. "We don't want to play to draw, but to win. We'll try to win, and at least, as I say, to ensure that we are able to accumulate another point."
No trip to South Africa is complete without a visit to its most beautiful and sunniest city. Durban offers much more than sandy beaches, safaris, casinos and the World Cup, for information on what to do and see, please click here.
| Bet: | Returns: | Brazil £15.33 | Draw £37.50 | Mexico £55.00 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Brazil £16.20 | Draw £42.00 | Mexico £50.00 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Brazil £16.15 | Draw £38.00 | Mexico £55.00 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Brazil £15.70 | Draw £38.00 | Mexico £60.00 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Brazil £15.80 | Draw £41.00 | Mexico £57.00 |
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“According to reports that I've heard since the World Cup draw, the world's attentions have been focused on this game, the Brazil-Portugal game,” he told Goal.com’s Ewan Macdonald at today's press conference.
“Taking into account the quality of the players we both have, we hope to play spectacular football. At the end of the day that's what the World Cup is about: the players, beautiful football, the technical quality of the game and the creativity of our players.
“If it's an offensive Brazil and we have possession, sure, it would be easier,” continued Queiroz.
“But I know that the team we meet is a very solid team, a very organised team, with outstanding players. Their football is realistic.”
With Brazil set to take on their old colonial masters, there has been talk that the players sense the encounter is being setup as somewhat of a grudge match, though Queiroz was quick to downplay the historical aspect, both on the pitch and off it.
“No,” he said, when asked whether his side will be playing for honour.
“I agreed with the statement that ‘it is a question of pride’. We aren't looking for revenge, because the past doesn't count,” he said.
“Portugal has played Brazil a few times. We won in London and lost in Brazil. That shows that we have two great teams. Even those friendly games, it was a privilege to watch them.”
The coach also fielded questions on whether he would risk Cristiano Ronaldo and Hugo Almeida who are one booking away from a second round suspension.
“No matter what the decision that I might ultimately take is, I'm not taking previous yellow cards into account,” he said.
“All my players are fit to play except Ruben Amorim, who is injured, and Deco who is also not able to play tomorrow as he's still injured. We believe and hope that after this game Deco can play again. Our main concern on the match is to secure qualification.”
Finally, the coach insisted that his side would try to win the game.
"We will try to change Brazil's rhythm," he said. "We don't want to play to draw, but to win. We'll try to win, and at least, as I say, to ensure that we are able to accumulate another point."
No trip to South Africa is complete without a visit to its most beautiful and sunniest city. Durban offers much more than sandy beaches, safaris, casinos and the World Cup, for information on what to do and see, please click here.
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