Portugal can beat anyone, says Deco

FRANKFURT, June 17 (Reuters) Playmaker Deco, riding high from his first World Cup goal, reckoned Portugal could beat anyone after they won their first two Group D games to book a place in the knockout phase.

''We can beat any team but we have to play game by game,'' said the midfielder, who came back from injury to score the opening goal in a 2-0 win over Iran today.

''All teams are equal, no-one is above average, we are all at the same level,'' he told a news conference.

Deco missed the opening group game against Angola, which the former rulers of the African nation won by a slender 1-0 margin, after injuring his foot in a training clash with team mate Costinha.

But he came back with a vengeance against the Iranians in Frankfurt on Saturday, thumping home a right foot shot from a pass along the front of the area by captain Luis Figo to put Portugal ahead.

Winger Cristiano Ronaldo wrapped up Portugal's victory -- which took them past the opening round for the first time since 1966 -- with a penalty 10 minutes from time.

Brazilian-born Deco, named Man of the Match for his efforts, acknowledged the importance of Portugal's progress but was keeping cool about how far they could go.

''We haven't reached the last 16 in 40 years... We are on the right path and have achieved qualification in our second game,'' he said.

While the coach and the team were happy with Portugal's efficient if dull performance, Deco said Scolari galvanised the squad at halftime with a reminder about what was at stake.

''He told us that if we won this game we would qualify and we would not have to wait until the last match,'' Deco said.

Depending on the results of the final Group D games, Portugal will face formidable opposition in Argentina or Netherlands in their first knockout encounter.

The Group C sides, who are already through to the next round after two wins, meet on Wednesday in Frankfurt to decide who takes first place in the standings.

REUTERS MP RN2300