Deco back, Danny doubt for Portugal

Portugal striker Danny is set to miss the World Cup last 16 match against Spain with a badly bruised leg, but Deco returns after missing the 0-0 draw with Brazil, officials said on Saturday.

The Portuguese Football Federation said Venezuela-born Danny has bruising on his left leg and would have treatment.

Deco meanwhile trained as normal after missing the draw with his native Brazil which sent the Portuguese through to a last 16 match with Spain on Tuesday.

Portugal put the Spanish out of Euro 2004 but since then the Spanish have ended a four-decade trophy drought by winning Euro 2008 and have only lost two of their last 50 matches.

On Friday they beat Chile to win their group and coach Vicente Del Boqsue believes that the opening day loss to Switzerland has now been forgotten.

“This win gives us better security. The loss to the Swiss hit us and it was tough for us to rise above that. Had we won that one the group would have had a different complexion and been more comfortable for us,” said the former Real Madrid boss who took over from Euro 2008 winner Luis Aragones.

On the plus side is the form of goalscorer David Villa – on target three times already – but strike partner Fernando Torres is struggling for form on his return from ankle surgery.

“We have to look on the plus side. I think the team has been playing well enough – but we have been a bit lacking on the goals front,” with the exception of Villa’s exploits, said goalkeeper Iker Casillas.