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LISBON, June 15: Portugal spent five years preparing to host their first major soccer tournament but their interest in Euro 2004 could be virtually over within five days if they fail to beat Russia on Wednesday.
Their shock 2-1 defeat by Greece in Saturday's Group 'A' opener has sent them teetering towards the brink an unthinkable first-round exit. Russia are in similar trouble after their 1-0 defeat by Spain so Wednesday's clash in the Estadio da Luz is already looking decisive - "a life or death match" as Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari described it.
The man who led Brazil to World Cup glory two years ago has found himself facing the problem all of Portugal secretly feared. The players who shone so brightly in 2000 are long past their sell-by date and the new generation are still bedding in.
Scolari is certain to make several changes after the dismal performance against Greece, when until Cristiano Ronaldo's injury-time consolation header, they barely managed a worthwhile effort on goal.
Paulo Ferreira, who gave away the pass which led to Greece's opening goal after seven minutes and looked sluggish all game, may lose his place at right back to Miguel.
Nuno Gomes or Helder Postiga could come into contention as Scolari attempts to boost firepower up front while Ronaldo and defender Ricardo Carvalho are also in line for selection.
Luis Figo, the one big name who at least attempted to get beyond the Greek defence, should start again but Scolari will want a more productive final ball from the Real Madrid man.
Portugal are unlikely to produce the same sort of stifled display they opened with but their morale might have been damaged beyond repair. One thing in their favour is that Russia must be feeling almost as bad after they appeared second rate against Spain.
Coach Georgi Yartsev is likely to make two changes, one enforced. Central defender Roman Sharonov is suspended after his red card against Spain and his place is expected to go to Alexei Bugayev, who has little experience at this level.
SPAIN v GREECE
PORTO: Speed, skill and the benefit of experience should take Spain to the brink of a quarterfinal place when they play fellow Group 'A' pacesetters Greece. No one in the Spanish camp is about to underestimate the Greeks, though, after Otto Rehhagel's fearless side beat them in qualifying and then spoiled Portugal's opening-day party with a shock 2-1 win over the hosts.
Spain and Greece are free from injury and will be determined to play to their strengths at the Bessa stadium in Porto. That will see Spain continue in the same attacking style that earned them a 1-0 win over Russia in their opening match, while Greece concentrate on staunch defence and look to hit on the break.
The fine form of Vicente and Joseba Etxeberria on the wings will give Spain real hope of making it maximum points from two games but after losing to Greece in qualifying for the finals they are determined to pay their opponents plenty of respect.
The key to the match will be how well the Greek defence, so solid against Portugal, deal with the swift running of the Spanish wingers, as well as the height of striker Fernando Morientes and the trickery of his partner Raul.
Inaki Saez has promised changes from the side that won against Russia and that is likely to see Xabi Alonso introduced to the midfield to speed up the side's passing still further. Rehhagel will nevertheless have few fears after seeing his defence neutralise the Portuguese attack with such skill. -Reuters
