Portugal Will Rest Players Against Mexico

After two consecutive wins in the World Cup, Portugal is now in serious doubt over continuing in the same way or not. And that's because five of Luis Felipe Scolari's best players - Deco, Costinha, Cristiano Ronaldo, Nuno Valente and Pauleta - were already booked in Portugal's previous clashes. If they are to receive one more yellow card from the referee against Mexico, they could miss the next round.

And when you think that Scolari's team are to meet either Argentina, or the Netherlands in the first knockout round - two of the few teams that proved some remarkable offensive qualities after the first two games - the Brazilian's decision to rest some of his player seems just about right. Even if some coaches - like Wenger and Houllier - are not too thrilled about this measure, Scolari made it very clear that: "The five won't play, even if Mexico is winning 30-0".

Even if Portugal's situation in the group is pretty clear, Mexico is not 100% qualified for the next round. And that's because Angola could still book a place in the Last 16 on the condition they beat Iran, while Mexico loses against the Portuguese side. So, any way you look at it, Mexico must squeeze at least a draw against Portugal. And, considering the fact that Group D's situation is very much alike with the Group B one a night ago, it's more than likely that the two teams will settle it with a draw.

Still, Mexico will not be able to use Jared Borgetti. After suffering an injury in Mexico's opener against Iran, one of the most prolific striker of the central-American team will have to watch another game on the bench. And, considering the fact that, without him, Mexico failed to create mane scoring chances against Angola, it's likely that they won't endanger Portugal's post this evening. On the other hand, with trio Pauleta - Deco - Cristiano Ronaldo on the bench, Portugal will find it very hard to penetrate a tough defense, whose only goal is going to be maintaining a qualifying draw.

It could be one for the bookmakers, the 0-0 draw being one of the most natural results that could happen today. Either way, both teams will have the most difficult encounters far on, with Argentina and the Netherlands already qualified for the next round.