Rui Costa - set to hang deep. (Allsport)

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Rui Costa is set for a less attacking role than usual for Portugal when they open their World Cup Group D campaign against the USA on Wednesday in Suwon.

The AC Milan star is renowned for his surging runs into the box from midfield where he often provides the vital link between the Portuguese defence and attack.

But with coach Antonio Oliveira preparing to unleash his strongest attack against Bruce Arena's United States, Rui Costa has admitted he may have to settle for a more withdrawn role in the middle of the park.

Oliveira looks set to name a four-pronged attack with wingers Luis Figo and Sergio Conceicao supporting strikers Joao Pinto and Pauleta as the Portuguese bid to start their World Cup campaign with a win.

"If we play like we have been testing out during the last few training sessions I will play a few metres behind my usual place in the midfield next to the defensive midfielder," said Costa.

"My function will be more of a distributor and less about going deep into the last third."

Costa is expected to be paired with Paulo Sousa in central midfield, but should Sousa fail to recover from injury Boavista's Petit may get the nod.

Portugal are hot favourites to win their group, where they also face Russia and South Korea, and progress into the last 16 in their first finals since Mexico in 1986.

Real Madrid star Figo is still a slight doubt for the contest with the States, but is expected to be passed fit despite restricted training.

Pinto is satisfied with his expected role as the support striker.

He said: "At Euro 2000 I played with defensive responsibilities, having to be sometimes playing out on the left-hand side. But now it seems I will play as the withdrawn striker, just as I prefer."