Held to a surprise draw by Angola, Mexico can still be beaten to second place in Group D if they lose and the African debutants thrash Iran.

While a goal avalanche appears unlikely from Angola, who are yet to score, Mexico are taking nothing for granted.

"There is no other option than to defeat Portugal," said defender Carlos Salcido. "We must make no mistake this time."

Elimination would be a cruel blow for Mexico, who topped the group after the opening games.

They have had mixed fortunes here, matched for 45 minutes before subduing Iran 3-1 and frustrated by Angola last week.

However, they refused to be disheartened by the goalless encounter in Hanover.

"The game against Portugal is going to be more difficult but we're ready and we're capable of winning the game," said midfielder Pavel Pardo.

"Football is like life; you have good days and bad days, and tonight didn't go well for us."

Coach Ricardo Lavolpe also has faith in a team, which has beaten both Brazil and Argentina over the past two years.

"I think generally we have an idea about football. The team moves around very well. When we play against any team we need to focus on ourselves, not so much on the opposition," he said.

The Central Americans are gunning to make it past the quarter-finals for the first time in 13 attempts.

They will be boosted by signs that Portugal, already qualified with maximum points from their two games, will take a more relaxed approach to the match.

"Against Mexico we can be calmer, we can rest some players and then we'll have to see what happens in the last 16," said their coach Luiz Felipe Scolari.

However, a dreadful record against European opponents points to the potential for a nasty surprise.

Mexico have won just one of their last 10 World Cup matches against European sides. In four of their five forays past the first round, their campaign floundered against teams from Europe.

Portugal will also be keen to continue their winning streak, and not just for reasons of pride. Winning Group D is likely to mean missing a date with free-scoring Argentina, favourites to top the parallel Group C.

Portugal are expected to win the match, despite Mexico's status as group seeds and their fourth place in FIFA's unreliable ranking system.

Under Scolari, who coached Brazil to the 2002 title, Portugal reached the Euro 2004 final and they have now qualified for the knock-out stages for the first time since 1966.

Team

Portugal (4-2-3-1)
1-Ricardo; 13-Miguel, 16-Ricardo Carvalho, 5-Fernando Meira, 14-Nuno Valente; 8-Armando Petit, 18-Maniche; 17-Cristiano Ronaldo, 7-Luis Figo, 11-Simao Sabrosa; 21-Nuno Gomes

Mexico (5-3-2)
1-Oswaldo Sanchez; 16-Mario Mendez, 4-Rafael Marquez, 5-Ricardo Osorio, 3-Carlos Salcido, 14-Gonzalo Pineda; 6-Gerardo Torrado, 7-Antonio Naelson "Zinha", 8-Pavel Pardo; 10-Guillermo Franco, 19-Omar Bravo