Angola and Portugal face each other at the Rhein Energy Stadion, Cologne in the second game of Group D, with Portugal clear favourites to win against the southern African World Cup debutants.

Angola’s coach Luis Oliveira Goncalves, who admits his team will be underdogs, has attempted to minimise the negative impact of recent defeats in their World Cup warm-up games. They lost 1-0 to the United States last week, whilst both Turkey and Argentina beat them in earlier games.

"The games we have played were preparation games. We weren't interested in the results," Goncalves said following training. "These games allowed us to look at the team and how the team played."

"It's evident that Portugal are the favourite in our group, but that does not mean Angola are going onto the pitch to lose," said Goncalves. "Playing Portugal will be difficult because they have more players in big European teams. "But we're going to do our best to make it difficult for them."

His methods appeared to be having the desired effect with his players, who have looked relaxed in preparation for their first ever World Cup match.

"We are a group of humble players. We play as a team and we're all united. That's what we will use as a strength and do the best we can," said veteran midfielder Paulo Figueiredo.

Central defender Carlos Alonso ‘Kali’ said his team-mates were confident about their chances: "We are feeling good, feeling confident. We are in a very difficult group but we have to think game by game and make sure that we give our maximum to get a good result," he said. "We are conceding a lot of goals (in friendlies) and we don't want that. But I think it is more an issue of concentration. If we can improve this aspect then I think we can win some games."

Angola’s defence will be weakened by the absence of Yamba Asha, who is suspended until August following doping offences. This points to the prospect of a difficult night’s work for the remaining Angolan backline, with the pace and trickery of Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo likely to be a key factor.

Barcelona midfielder Deco, victim of a heavy challenge by former FC Porto teammate Costinha during training, is the only doubt for Portugal ahead of this match. Coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has indicated that he will take a chance on the influential playmaker, although he will not name his team until just before kick-off on Sunday.

Scolari says his team has to be patient against Angola. The Euro 2004 runners-up have often found it hard to live up to the weight of expectation in big tournaments.

"We have to be patient and hold onto possession, because they'll want to sit back and defend and then launch counter-attacks," said Scolari. "The first game in any competition is the most important game. If we lose the situation will be desperate."

This may not be a game for the faint-hearted. Angola is a former Portuguese colony and was ruled from Lisbon for forty years. When the teams last met five years ago, the game was abandoned after 70 minutes with Portugal winning 5-1, Angola had had four players sent off, and with a fifth injured, the game could not continue.

Angola (probable): Ricardo, Loco, Jamba, Kali, Delgado, Ze Kalanga, Andre, Figueiredo, Edson, Andre Titi Buengo, Akwa.

Portugal (probable): Ricardo, Miguel, Carvalho, Meira, Valente, Costinha, Maniche, Figo, Deco, Ronaldo, Pauleta.

Referee: Jorge Larrionda (Uruguay)

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