Portugal ‘don’t have magic dust’

Portugal manager Fernando Santos has warned his team about the threat Morocco will pose in today’s World Cup Group B fixture.

Morocco’s 1-0 defeat by Iran has put them under pressure to secure a positive result and revive their chances of progressing to the knockout stages.

Portugal’s 3-3 draw with Spain also leaves them in an uncertain position.

But although they remain favourites to finish in the top two alongside their neighbours, Santos recognises the dangers involved in today’s meeting.

Morocco were expected to be their biggest rivals for second place, behind Spain, and the 63-year-old said: “The Morocco team is very good; one of the best African squads. They’re very good and have players who’ve been playing mostly in Europe.

“They’re very well organised, they know the game technically and tactically. They’ve always played to their full intensity on the pitch and we have to respond to that.

“Portugal’s ready. We have to do what we’ve done so far; give our best in terms of concentration, and respond to the opponents’ intensity. It’s a very important game because nothing’s been decided.

“We’ve thought about what we did (against Spain) – the good things, the less good things.

“We’ve tried to continue improving what we did well and rectify what we didn’t do so well, but it’s two or three days, we don’t have magic dust.”