Portugal v Iran: Ronaldo is the main doubt for Portugal ahead of their clash with Iran. The gifted Manchester United player did train yesterday but after pulling out of a session earlier in the week, and having reacted badly to being replaced late on in the opening game, he may find himself under pressure as Deco returns.

The Barcelona star should add a good deal to the attacking play of the European Championship finalists who lost their way badly after taking an early lead against Angola. The 28-year-old will pull the strings from the centre of the field with Figo likely to return to the right side while either Ronaldo or Simao will start on the left.

Luiz Felipe Scolari says the team is in good shape after their opening win but observes that this will be a tougher game than the Angolan one, with the players more impressed by what they have seen of this afternoon's opponents. After their disappointment in the opening game, though, Iran need to pull off an unlikely win if they are to stay in the competition and it's hard to see how they will manage it.

Ali Daei said yesterday he feels fit enough to play despite having picked up a back injury during the defeat by Mexico. Already the international game's top scorer (with 109 goals) the 37-year-old says he has no plans to retire from international football and is weighing up offers of a move to America for next season.

Ferydoon Zandi is available again after a thigh injury kept him out of the opening game and so Branko Ivankovic must decide whether he wants to change his midfield.

Portugal (4-3-2-1)

Ricardo; Miguel, Carvalho, Meira, Valente; Tiago, Petit, Figo; Deco, Sima; Pauleta.

Coach: Luiz Felipe Scolari

Iran (4-2-3-1)

Mirzapour; Kaabi , Rezaei, Golmohammadi, Nosrati; Nekounam, Teymourian; Mahdavikia, Hashemian, Karimi; Daei.

Coach: Branko Ivankovic.