GELSENKIRCHEN, June 21: Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari said he gained a major advantage by resting five players on yellow cards for Wednesday's 2-1 win over Mexico.“We take two benefits from this match,” the Brazilian told reporters.

“Firstly we left five players out. We have protected them from a second yellow and we have them fit for the second round.

“Then, the players we brought in today are strong-minded and have shown me they can play in the next round.”Scolari consigned Cristiano Ronaldo, Nuno Valente, Deco, Pauleta and Costinha to the stands, a sensible decision by the experienced coach for a match in which seven yellow cards and a red were flourished.

In to the team came Simao Sabrosa, Tiago, Armando Petit, Helder Postiga and Marco Caneira. Simao was particularly strong, setting up Maniche for the first goal and later scoring from a penalty.

“These players showed today they could be in the team on Sunday,” said Scolari, adding he would decide who to select against Argentina or Netherlands based on the physical condition of the players.

“I wouldn't like to be the coach in his position,” said captain Luis Figo. “They did their job really well. They showed we are not only 14 or 15 players, all players here are at the same level and can do their job the same as the others.”—Reuters