6/16/2006
Brian Homewood

FRANKFURT, June 16 (Reuters) – Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari would settle for a half-nil win over Iran in Saturday's Group D match, he said on Friday.

Portugal, who beat Angola 1-0 in their opening game last Sunday, are expecting a tough match against opponents who went down 3-1 to Mexico in their first outing.

"In many ways, this is the most difficult of the three games," said Scolari, whose team face Mexico in their final match.

"There are several details, things which put the Iranians apart, things which Angola and Mexico don't have," added the Brazilian, known back home as Big Phil.

"I sense that there is less nervousness in our team than there was before the first game but I also feel there's a little more respect for Iran. The players expect more difficulties than in the first game.

"I think Iran have an excellent team and, as far as I'm concerned, if we win half-nil, 1-0 or 2-1, that will be enough to reach our target."

Scolari played down talk about the possibility that he will leave his job after the World Cup and remarks by leading players in the Portuguese media that it will be a step back for Portugal if he goes.

"I joked with Costinha and (Luis) Figo that they are crawlers for saying those things," said Scolari, who led Brazil to the world title in 2002.

"What is important is the way we have formed this group and those moments we've been through since 2003," he said. "We've had some excellent moments for Portugal."

He declined to compare his current squad to Brazil in 2002.

"I can't make comparisons," he said. "They are different personalities, different characteristics and different cultures.

"All I can say is that I was very happy to be part of that group and I'm very happy to be part of this one."