Hosts battle exit ghosts

Scolari 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.

DISMAL PERFORMANCE: 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. Rui Costa, formerly the central cog in midfield, failed to stamp his authority on the game. He was replaced by Brazilian-born Deco at halftime and is unlikely to retain his starting slot.

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.

Miguel did not want to contemplate another first round exit after their early trip home from the 2002 World Cup. “It will be a huge let down if we don’t get to the quarter-finals. It will be very sad,” he said. Portugal are unlikely to produce the same sort of stifled display they opened with but their morale might have been damaged beyond repair.

SECOND RATE: 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. (Reuters)

Probable teams

Russia (4-5-1): 1-Sergei Ovchinnikov; 16-Vadim Yevseyev, 4-Alexei Smertin (captain), 21-Alexei Bugayev, 17-Dmitry Sennikov; 2-Vladislav Radimov, 22-Yevgeny Aldonin 15-Dmitry Alenichev, 10-Alexander Mostovoi, 7-Marat Izmailov; 9-Dmitry Bulykin.

Portugal (4-4-2): 1-Ricardo: 2-Paulo Ferreira, 4-Jorge Andrade, 5-Fernando Couto, 3-Rui Jorge; 6-Costinha, 18-Maniche, 7-Luis Figo, 10-Deco; 9-Pauleta, 21-Nuno Gomes.