FRANKFURT: Portugal and Iran are both out to remove doubts over their World Cup calibre.

The clash of wills comes when the two countries face off in their second Group D game on Saturday.

A victory over Iran would give Portugal its second win in as many games and nudge it closer to the second round — where it hasn't been since 1966.

In 1986 and 2002, Portugal won only twice in six games over the two tournaments and both times went home after the first round despite being favoured to do well. Those disappointments brought questions about whether the talented country had enough mettle for the world stage.

Luis Figo reckons it's time to set the record straight.

``We know our worth and we want to bring prestige to our country while the world is watching,'' the Portuguese captain said.

Iran lost its opener against Mexico 3-1 and another defeat would push it further towards an early exit.

The Iranians also went out in the first round at their two previous appearances, in 1978 and 1998. It has won only once in the World Cup. Croatian coach Branko Ivankovic said the opening defeat was not indicative of its ability and expressed confidence Iran could make it through to the second phase.

`Best side ever'

``This is the best Iranian squad ever,'' he said. ``Against Mexico, they won because we made mistakes our players seldom make.''

The expected return of FC Barcelona playmaker Deco, who missed the Angola game because of an injury, will add firepower to the Portuguese forward line.

But there's a question mark over the fitness of Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo, who has muscle fatigue.

Portugal's weak point, though, is its defence.

Fernando Meira's form since replacing injured first-choice Jorge Andrade in central defence has been patchy and could be vulnerable against the pacey Iranian strikers.

Iran needs to shrug off a series of setbacks that have unsettled the squad if it is to cope with the Portuguese team. The Iranians, hampered by injuries and internal squabbles, are having a rocky time in Germany.

Another blow

In another blow, Ali Daei, Iran's captain and top international scorer with 109 goals, is likely to miss the Portugal match because of a back injury.

Iran's three players from Germany's Bundesliga are expected to be ready for the Portugal match.

But the trio — Ali Karimi, forward Mehdi Mahdavikia of Hamburger SV and Vahid Hashemian of Hannover 96 — were all out with injuries in recent months and quickly wilted against Mexico. — AP

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