Portugal confident ahead of clash with Spain (Feature)

By Veronica Sardon Jun 26, 2010, 11:17 GMT

Durban - Portugal were hesitant in their World Cup opener but have grown with each game and feel confident and ready to tackle their next rivals, Euro 2008 champions Spain.

'Now the World Cup really starts,' said midfielder Tiago after his team had secured qualification for the round of 16 on Friday in Durban.

Portugal, who needed a playoff to secure their place in South Africa, were held to a goalless draw by Ivory Coast in their first World Cup match.

But they soon recovered, with a 7-0 thrashing of North Korea and another goalless draw, against mighty Brazil, which gave them a berth in the round of 16.

The draw against Brazil gave Portugal's players a big boost in confidence.

'It was a good test for us against one favourite to win the World Cup,' said playmaker Deco, who saw the match from the bench.

'We feel good. Last match we scored seven goals, and now we didn't lose against Brazil, who are a great team,' Tiago agreed.

Confidence is running high in the side coached by Carlos Queiroz.

Spain, who had looked mighty ahead of the World Cup, are now a lot less scary after a lacklustre performance in South Africa so far, including a 1-0 defeat against Switzerland in their opener.

Spain have since defeated lowly Honduras by a stingy 2-0 and only managed a 2-1 win against a 10-man Chile.

Portugal have been watching.

'We know that Spain had some difficulties in their first games,' Raul Meireles remarked. 'We have to play to win.'

With superstar winger Cristiano Ronaldo still having trouble finding the net despite his late goal in the side's feast against North Korea, Portugal focus on their strengths as a hard-working, disciplined team.

'All players defend, all players attack,' keeper Eduardo praised his side Friday.

'Portugal is a team, we all work together,' Tiago agreed. 'We're confident, so let's see what happens now.'

Spain are 'a very strong team, full of great players who play football very well,' in Tiago's words.

But Portugal are working to crack their rivals Tuesday in Cape Town.

'We cannot be afraid of anyone,' Deco warned. 'Anything can happen in a match. Things can work out and you can beat anyone, but you can also lose.'

And the World Cup so far, with France and Italy already home, provides plenty of encouragement for theoretical underdogs.

'Every team in this World Cup is difficult. We've seen the results,' Eduardo stressed.

'We simply have self-confidence - confidence that we can advance further,' he said.