Deco hopes to face Brazil

Brazilian born Portugal midfielder Deco has not given up hope of being ready to take on the country of his birth in their final Group G match on Friday.

Deco, who missed Portugal's 7-0 demolition of North Korea on Monday because of a hip injury, says he is still experiencing some pain to his hip but he is hoping that it will heel in time for the Brazil clash.

"It's soar, but I'll try to be better for the game but we'll see. I'm still having treatment and I hope to be available," said Deco.

He added: "I have nothing to prove against Brazil, I just want to play and help my team. What is important now is qualifying for the next phase.

"We want to play well against them, we had a good game against North Korea and we scored seven goals. The win was important."

Meanwhile, Deco has warned his team-mates that they will need to be at the top of their game against Brazil.

"Brazil is a different game, we know they are one of the favourites to win the World Cup and we'll try to do our best in the game."

Meanwhile, midfielder Pedro Mendes says the North Korea win has boosted the team's confidence ahead of the tough Brazil clash.

"It was important for us to win the North Korea game as it ease the pressure on us ahead of the Brazil match. Now we can still qualify even if we fail to beat Brazil," commented Mendes.

Ana Monteiro, Special Correspondent in South Africa for Jornal de Sábado, EXCLUSIVELY for FIFA2010

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