MARIENFELD, Germany (AP) - Portugal's form may not have impressed in its opening game although it will settle for a repeat of the scoreline in its second Group D game against Iran.
Portugal meets Iran on Saturday after downing World Cup newcomer Angola 1-0 in their opener. Benfica midfielder Armando Petit says the victory was what counted against Angola, not the way it was achieved. "Against Angola the most important thing was getting those three points. That lifted us and it's what we want against Iran," Petit said Tuesday.
Portugal quickly wilted against the African team after sparkling in the early part of the game and scrambled to hold onto the lead it grabbed through Pauleta after just four minutes. Iran is a sharper and more dangerous outfit, though, and Portugal will have to lift its game in Frankfurt. "Iran has some very good players, especially those in the Bundesliga. They're very quick up front," Petit said. The jittery Portuguese defense had a tough time against the pacey Angolans.
Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari sent on three midfielders in the second half to stop the rot. Petit denied the players were disoriented by the cramped midfield lineup that resulted from the substitutions. "There was no confusion. We've been playing together for years," he said. "This is one of the strongest Portuguese teams ever."
Portugal is waiting for word on the fitness of playmaker Deco. The Brazilian-born FC Barcelona player trained briefly with the squad before breaking off for specific recuperation exercises to heal a leg muscle strain he suffered in training last week. Deco, who missed the opener, said he expected to be fully fit by Wednesday. His absence would require captain Luis Figo to come off the wing and fill the central midfield role, as against Angola, with Simao Sabrosa taking the left flank
Portugal meets Iran on Saturday after downing World Cup newcomer Angola 1-0 in their opener. Benfica midfielder Armando Petit says the victory was what counted against Angola, not the way it was achieved. "Against Angola the most important thing was getting those three points. That lifted us and it's what we want against Iran," Petit said Tuesday.
Portugal quickly wilted against the African team after sparkling in the early part of the game and scrambled to hold onto the lead it grabbed through Pauleta after just four minutes. Iran is a sharper and more dangerous outfit, though, and Portugal will have to lift its game in Frankfurt. "Iran has some very good players, especially those in the Bundesliga. They're very quick up front," Petit said. The jittery Portuguese defense had a tough time against the pacey Angolans.
Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari sent on three midfielders in the second half to stop the rot. Petit denied the players were disoriented by the cramped midfield lineup that resulted from the substitutions. "There was no confusion. We've been playing together for years," he said. "This is one of the strongest Portuguese teams ever."
Portugal is waiting for word on the fitness of playmaker Deco. The Brazilian-born FC Barcelona player trained briefly with the squad before breaking off for specific recuperation exercises to heal a leg muscle strain he suffered in training last week. Deco, who missed the opener, said he expected to be fully fit by Wednesday. His absence would require captain Luis Figo to come off the wing and fill the central midfield role, as against Angola, with Simao Sabrosa taking the left flank
