We'll take it to Spain

The Iberian derby, which takes place on Tuesday, always looked like one of the ties of the second round once the group games had concluded.

And while Spain may be favourites, Portugal have enough skill to cause their neighbours problems.

"I believe it's going to be a great game of football, a game with a lot of creativity, imagination, speed and great moves," said Queiroz.

"At this stage, the round of 16, I expect a great show of football.

"This is going to be extremely difficult. Spain and Portugal play a style of football that, although somewhat similar, there are a number of differences between the two teams.

"It is a regional rivalry between the teams and it is also a social, cultural and historical rivalry between two nations," he said.

"Therefore the game between Portugal and Spain is always a mouth-watering game, I'm sure of that. Just like 'derbies' between, say, England and Germany."

In previous tournaments - and even during their 0-0 draws with Brazil and Cote d'Ivoire at SA2010 - Portugal have been accused of negativity.

Yet Queiroz says his side will try and take the game to their opponents.

"We want to win this game from the very first minute," he said.

"We don't know whether the duration of the game will be 90 minutes, 120 minutes or a penalty shoot-out. When you play a game of this nature, all that counts is that we move forward and score.

"My philosophy is that in a game of this nature, as a coach you have to take some risks.

"Our passes have to be decisive if we want to defeat Spain. We have to defend well, attack well and a Portuguese team always has to be on the attack.

"They are European champions but they are 11 players, just like us, and I expect it to be a great match. Our chances of progressing are as good as theirs.

"They have a good team but we also have a good team with first-class players at our disposal."


source:wc2010