19 June 2006, by Tom Kundert

Scolari ponders sending out B-team

Yellow cards worry coach

Luiz Felipe Scolari is likely to make wholesale changes for Portugal’s final group match against Mexico on Wednesday.

The Brazilian hinted as much immediately after the win over Iran that guaranteed Portugal’s place in the knockout phase of the competition.

The chief concern of Scolari is the fact that five of his key players have picked up a yellow card in the first two matches.

Cristiano Ronaldo, Nuno Valente, Pauleta, Deco and Costinha are therefore all at risk of missing the last-16 encounter should they be shown another yellow against the Mexicans. After the group stage the slate is wiped clean and previous bookings are discounted.

Scolari seems unlikely to risk being forced to play Holland or Argentina without one of the quintet. In his post-match press conference the World Cup winner said the best way to avoid the danger of a second yellow card and subsequent suspension was to leave out the players in question.

Indeed, Scolari may be tempted to go further and rest Figo, who has been in inspirational form so far, and also give an opportunity to central defenders Ricardo Costa and Caneira in place of the regular partnership of Fernando Meira and Ricardo Carvalho.

Paulo Ferreira could also feature, coming in for one of the full-backs Nuno Valente or Miguel.