PARANOIA rules as nervous Portugal try to join Croatia in the quarter finals of Euro 96 by avoiding a heavy defeat against them in the closing match of Group D at Nottingham Forest's City Ground today.
It would seem an undemanding enough task considering the Croats have already qualified for the last eight - courtesy of a delightful second half performance on Sunday - and are ready to rest several key players.
But Antonia Oliveira, Portugal's suspicious and stern faced coach, clearly feels the fates are conspiring against his talented team.
Defender Paulinho Santos misses the game after collecting two yellow cards, and six other players must tread carefully, having incurred one booking apiece, and knowing that another tomorrow would ban any of them from next Sunday's quarter final - probably against favourites Germany at Old Trafford. Oliveira accuses referees of having it in for his players.
When the coach talks to the written media away from the bland official press conferences, he demands they do not quote him directly, but only report the general theme of his remarks. Beyond question, though, is that Oceano Cruz, Ricardo Sa Pinto, Paulo Sousa, Joao Pinto Jose Pavares and Luis Figo all have to fear a further booking tomorrow. And there is also an injury worry over elegant Barcelona midfielder Figo who turned an ankle in training and is having ice pack treatment.
The experienced Secretario is set to replace Paulinho Santos, while Celtic's Jorge Cadete or FC Porto's Domingos could get first starts in the tournament, with Oliveira admitting he is worried by their goal scoring record.
Croatia removed any reservations about their scoring ability with the three goal second half demolition of the Danes. However, Davor Suker, who scored twice against Denmark, seems likely to be one of the stars rested tomorrow. Juventus' new striker Alen Boksic may return despite a throat infection which kept him out at Hillsborough, having recovered from a foot injury.
Pride is the spur for Croatia, unbeaten in their last 10 matches and with a heartfelt desire to boost the morale of their formerly oppressed people.
They felt slighted by the fact that just one verse, rather than the full rendition, of their national anthem was played before the Denmark game and have asked UEFA to correct the matter tomorrow.
