Couto - side will not be intimidated (Allsport)
COUTO: WE WON'T BE INTIMIDATED
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Portugal captain Fernando Couto insists his side will not be intimidated by
the masses of home fans hoping to cheer South Korea into the second round of the
World Cup.
The Lazio defender is instead hoping the partisan crowd acts as a spur when
they take on the co-hosts in Incheon on Friday.
"We know that the Korean team will be motivated by the support of the crowd,
but that doesn't bother us," said Couto.
"It is all part of the show, the Portuguese players are well aware of that.
"We play in front of crowds like that all the time."
Portugal need a win tomorrow to guarantee their place in the last 16, and they
will be hoping to continue the form that saw them hammer Poland 4-0 in their
last game.
Pedro Pauleta's hat-trick ensured they bounced back from a surprising defeat
by the United States in the opening match.
South Korea themselves have impressed a lot of neutrals with their forceful
and fearless style of play.
It has earned them four points from their opening two games to leave them
sitting on top of Group D.
But Portugal coach Antonio Oliveira is not surprised by their showing so far.
"We have been watching them for six months and they have improved a lot
thanks to the hard work of the coach and players," he said.
"However we must concentrate on our own game and we will try our best.
"I cannot guarantee that we can the World Cup but we will try to win each
match as it comes.
"We know that if we lose on Friday, we lose everything. And we know that if we
win on Friday, we have just won one game - that is all."
For South Korea, it will be the biggest game in their history.
After only winning their first World Cup finals match 10 days ago, they have a
great chance of making a first appearance in the knock-out stages.
"There have already been some very memorable moments for us in this World
Cup," said coach Guus Hiddink. "Now we are hoping for at least one more.
"So far they have done some tremendous things and I am proud of them.
"But let's enjoy the team playing on Friday, and let's have some fun."
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