We won´t underestimate Czechs says Deco

Euro 2004 finalists Portugal will not fall into the trap of being over confident when they play the Czech Republic in their second Euro 2008 Group A match on Wednesday, claimed midfielder Deco on Monday.

The 30-year-old Brazilian-born naturalised Portuguese star said they would not be underrating their opponents, despite the Czechs looking a mere shadow of the side that reached the Euro 2004 semi-finals in the opening 1-0 win against co-hosts Switzerland.

Portugal opened with a 2-0 win over Turkey.

“We do not risk falling into the trap of being too complacent,” said Deco, who has like several of the Barcelona squad put in transfer requests following a disappointing season.

“We are not underestimating the Czech Republic, quite the contrary, we have a lot of respect for them. It will be a bit more difficult match than against Turkey.

“The fact the Czechs had problems against the Swiss means nothing.”

Deco said that there had been no over-the-top celebrating by the Portuguese following their opening victory.

“We avoided the euphoria because nothing has been achieved yet,” said Deco, who was part of the Portuguese squads that reached the Euro 2004 final and the 2006 World Cup semi-finals.

Deco, who said he would like to play for either an Italian or English club, said he still didn't feet 100percent up to speed after a season that saw him suffer plenty of injuries.

“Up to the kick-off against the Turks I had come on 100percent but after that it became more difficult,” said Deco.