Having spent the best part of this tournament on the sidelines, Portuguese striker Helder Postiga has had time to study his side's World Cup semi-final opponents. And yesterday he delivered his considered opinion, which is that in Munich this evening Luiz Felipe Scolari's side must hit Raymond Domenech's out on the flanks, where, he reckons, "they have looked vulnerable already".

The 23-year-old, who has won considerable popularity at home for his knack of coming off the bench and scoring important goals, might actually be on to something. Certainly the Portuguese need to limit the threat of Franck Ribery and Florent Malouda by making them defend more.

More's the pity then that Scolari's most gifted wide men, Luis Figo and Cristiano Ronaldo, are rated significant doubts for tonight's game.

Scolari was careful to give little away, but both players are reported to be struggling with thigh strains, Ronaldo's injury almost having kept him out of the victory over England.

The two completed only a light training session away from the rest of the squad yesterday, and it seems the decisions on their fitness will be left until close to kick-off, Scolari observing only that "Ronaldo has the better chance of recovering".

If one does have to be omitted, Simao is likely to come into the side along with Costinha and Deco, both of whom return from suspension.

Petit is certain to make way as he misses this game through suspension, while Tiago looks set to start on the bench.

As he contemplated the game, Scolari yesterday went out of his way to paint France as strong favourites despite his own side's far better form during the past couple of seasons.

The Portuguese have not lost a competitive game since being beaten by Greece in the final of Euro 2004, and they came through qualifying for these finals far more impressively than the French. Scolari, meanwhile, has 11 wins and one draw to show for the 12 World Games games he has managed with Brazil and Portugal.

Historically, though, the French have the upper hand. Portugal have won just five and drawn one of the 21 games between the countries - their last win was 28 years ago in Paris.

Indeed, Portugal have won just two of their last 14 meetings with France, both successes coming in the late 1970s.

France won their only two competitive clashes with Portugal, albeit after extra time. On those occasions, in 1984 and 2000, both of which were semi-finals in the European Championships, the French went on to lift the title.

"If you look at the history books then France must be favourites to win when you consider all they have achieved," insisted Scolari before adding, "but Portugal have also done some good things. We will be positive and try and change the history of this fixture. The favourites don't always win."

Domenech, meanwhile, maintained the Portuguese have more than enough talent to trouble his players but laughed off the matter of his opposite number's vastly superior record at this level.

"They have players of talent, who are organised well, who can defend and cause you problems," he said. "I know they are a quality side who have proved capable of imposing their style of play on their rivals.

"I don't know coach Luiz Felipe Scolari," he added, "but I think he was a world champion with Brazil, wasn't he?"

Having fielded an unchanged team against Brazil for the first time in his two years in charge, Domenech is set to do the same this evening.

The two sides play a remarkably similar system, with two men behind three in midfield and a lone striker. Both have looked formidable in defence, and much will defend on the performances of their attacking stars.

If Zinedine Zidane can shine again, however, and Scolari really is forced to cope without either of his preferred wide men, it is hard to see the European finalists bucking the historical trend.

As Scolari says, though, the favourites don't always win.

France (4-2-3-1)

Barthez; Sagnol, Thuram, Gallas, Abidal; Vieira, Makelele; Ribery, Zidane, Malouda; Henry

Portugal (4-5-1)

Ricardo; Miguel, Carvalho, Fernando Meira, Nuno Valente; Costinha, Maniche; Figo, Deco, Ronaldo; Pauleta