Couto ready for test

GROUP D/Concluding Matches (12.30): Portugal captain Fernando Couto insists his side will not be intimidated by the masses of home fans hoping to cheer South Korea into the second round of the World Cup.

The Lazio defender is instead hoping the partisan crowd acts as a spur when they take on the co-hosts in Incheon today.

"We know that the Korean team will be motivated by the support of the crowd, but that doesn't bother us," said Couto.

"It is all part of the show, the Portuguese players are well aware of that. We play in front of crowds like that all the time."

Portugal need a win to guarantee their place in the last 16, and will be hoping to continue the form that saw them hammer Poland 4-0 in their last game.

Pedro Pauleta's hat-trick ensured they bounced back from a surprising defeat by the United States in the opening match.

South Korea themselves have impressed a lot of neutrals with their forceful and fearless style of play. It has earned them four points from their opening two games to leave them sitting on top of Group D.

The USA will have to go for broke against Poland in Daejon as they bid to reach the second stage.

Coach Bruce Arena will risk all three of his players on yellow cards for a do-or-die clash against a team already out of the tournament but determined to go out with some dignity. The States have defenders Jeff Agoos and Frank Hejduk plus midfielder DaMarcus Beasley one booking away from suspension from a potential last-16 game against against either Italy or Mexico.