Portugal or Brazil?

25/06/2010 20:00 MYT

Not only are Brazil and Portugal the first- and third-placed sides in the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking, the teams both go into this heavyweight duel on the back of two of the best performances so far at South Africa 2010. A Verde e Amarelo put in a clinical display when sinking Côte d’Ivoire 3-1, while Carlos Queiroz’s charges cut loose to record a 7-0 victory over Korea DPR.

A Seleção’s 100 per cent start has already guaranteed them a Round of 16 berth and Dunga’s men need just a draw to secure top spot. For Portugal, whose goal difference is nine goals better than the Ivorians, the only way they can exit the competition is via defeat against Brazil and enough goals from Didier Drogba and Co against Korea DPR to make up the shortfall.

Missing from the big occasion will be Kaka, suspended after receiving a red card against the Elephants – this after a fine performance which featured two assists. Fellow attacking midfielder Elano, scorer of two goals so far, is an injury doubt as is Portugal’s Brazil-born schemer Deco.

Players to watch
Cristiano Ronaldo v Luis Fabiano