Injured Elano, Deco may miss Brazil-Portugal match
June 24th, 2010 - 1:58 am ICT by IANSJohannesburg, June 24 (DPA) Midfielders Elano, of Brazil, and Deco, of Portugal, are likely to miss the clash between the two teams Friday in Durban.
Elano’s absence comes in addition to that of star playmaker Kaka, who is suspended after a red card.
The Galatasaray midfielder was kicked in the right ankle during the match against Ivory Coast Sunday. Elano, who scored goals in Brazil’s first two World Cup matches, returned to training Wednesday but had to practice separately after feeling pain in his leg.
Deco suffered a hip injury in training prior to Portugal’s second World Cup match, against North Korea on Monday, and has reportedly not fully recovered.
Deco is one of three Brazilian-born players in the Portugal squad, alongside defender Pepe and striker Liedson.
Brazil have already qualified for the Round of 16 in Group G. Portugal could still be eliminated in the first round, although their 7-0 win against North Korea gives them a comfortable goal difference and makes elimination unlikely.
Should Portugal beat Brazil, they could still end top of the group.
- Portugal seek Round of 16, and some revenge, against Brazil - Jun 24, 2010
- Portugal draw with Brazil for Round of 16 spot (Lead) - Jun 26, 2010
- Queiroz leading next Portuguese generation (Group G team profile) - Jun 01, 2010
- Spain and Portugal lock horns in first World Cup meeting - Jun 28, 2010
- Portugal destroy North Korea with sparkling football (Second Lead) - Jun 21, 2010
- Portugal run riot over North Korea for first win (Lead) - Jun 21, 2010
- Will the real Kaka stand up? Brazil need star to shine - Jun 17, 2010
- Drogba's despair could pep Portugal in group of death - Jun 14, 2010
- Dunga already teasing Portugal - it's Brazil A against Brazil B - Dec 05, 2009
- Portugal crush North Korea 7-0 for first win - Jun 21, 2010
- Portugal need victory against tough North Koreans - Jun 20, 2010
- Brazil wary of unknown North Koreans - Jun 14, 2010
- Portugal need to learn from mistakes: coach Queiroz - Jun 28, 2010
- Fluminense midfielder Deco worried about Brazilian football - May 01, 2012
- Goalscorers at World Cup - Jul 08, 2010
Tags: absence, clash, durban, elano, goal difference, ivory coast, johannesburg, june 24, kaka, liedson, match, midfielder, miss brazil, north korea, pepe, playmaker, portugal, world cup