Group A: Romania v Portugal, 17.00 (Network 2, ITV)

To look at their respective performances in the opening round of matches, it's difficult to imagine how Romania could have beaten…

To look at their respective performances in the opening round of matches, it's difficult to imagine how Romania could have beaten Portugal in Porto (and without Gheorghe Hagi) on the way to topping Group Seven of the qualifying competition for these championships.

Barring any late injury problems, Romanian coach Emerich Jenei will stick with the team that drew against Germany although he does intend to man-mark Luis Figo and keep a close eye on a few of his Barcelona team-mates. Figo has being linked in a transfer to Lazio with a deal that would be worth almost £50 million.

The main problem for the Portuguese, meanwhile, may be keeping their feet on the ground in the wake of the lavish praise that has been heaped upon them in recent days.

Humberto Coelho has a full squad to choose from and, while nobody would be surprised if he stuck with the 11 that performed so well earlier this week, the coach may well be unable to resist the temptation to bring in Parma's Paolo Sousa who missed the England match through injury.

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If the 29-year-old does start then Jose Vidigal would be the man most likely to lose out.

Emmet Malone

Emmet Malone

Emmet Malone is Work Correspondent at The Irish Times