A whole new challenge for Portugal

“I have 23 players and two cannot play. Cristiano Ronaldo has five or six days to recover and I still have other good players to prepare,” said coach Luiz Felipe Scolari.

Portugal have a short training session on Monday but will take the rest of the day off, waiting until Tuesday before they begin contemplating the quarterfinal clash against England in Gelsenkirchen on July 1. The absence of key playmaker Deco and the experienced Costinha could hit the side hard.

“With Deco and Costinha gone, there are two great losses to the team. We are going to have to try even harder, play even better,” right back Miguel said. “England are a very strong team in midfield, we have a lot of respect for them because they work hard and they play a very direct game.”

But “Big Phil” Scolari, who has yet to lose a game in a World Cup and led Brazil to the title in 2002, is unlikely to roll over at the sight of a few injuries and suspensions and in fact seems more determined than ever. Still grinning after Sunday’s tumultuous victory courtesy of Maniche’s goal against the Dutch, he sang his side’s praises. “I’m happy. For many years, Portugal hasn’t seen a team dignify the name of Portugal, fighting for Portugal and doing so much for Portugal,” he said.