Simão's Portuguese call to arms

Simão knows his side cannot afford to lose any more points as Portugal gear up for a pivotal week which could see their UEFA EURO 2008™ qualification aspirations vastly enhanced or all but ended.

Pressure
No team has thus far managed to stamp their authority on Group A with sides dropping points all the way through, and the coming week could have a huge bearing on which two sides emerge to book a place in next summer's finals. Just five points separate the top four, with Portugal third in the quartet, albeit with a game in hand on the teams above them, and Simão is targeting six points from qualifiers against leaders Poland and Serbia. "We must win both matches," said the Club Atlético de Madrid winger. "We are behind due to points lost and the onus on us is greater now. But I believe the team is strong and we can win both matches."

'Decisive matches'
Portugal lost their away fixture against Poland 2-1 and Simão is keen to right some wrongs, adding: "We learn all the time and we should always remember the mistakes. It was a bad game for us but it is important to look ahead - we can fix the errors." There have been more since, most notably dropping two points away to Armenia last month, but Simão's focus and determination is apparently shared by his team-mates. "They are decisive matches and we are focused only on winning them," said midfielder Petit. "We don't have room for any more mistakes."

Call to fans
Portugal's cause has not been helped by the withdrawal of Real Madrid CF defender Pepe and Luiz Felipe Scolari would have had palpitations when Cristiano Ronaldo pulled up with a thigh problem in training on Tuesday. But the winger has been given the all-clear and Petit is hoping the fans will provide a further lift when the side line up in Lisbon against Poland on Saturday and then Serbia four days later. "I hope the stadiums are full because the supporters' help will be crucial," he said. "Our team is very strong and I am confident we can qualify."