Playing on home turf counts for nothing, says Pauleta

PORTUGUESE star Pauleta believes home advantage matters very little in games against Iberian rivals Spain, with the two sides set to face each other tomorrow in Lisbon.

Portugal were humbled by Greece in their Euro 2004 opener, and forward Pauleta knows the Spaniards are capable of inflicting more pain on the tournaments hosts.

"I don't think we are favourites against Spain even though we play at home," said Pauleta.

"We lost against Greece in our opening game, and this is a lesson that we have learned. We cannot think that we will win just because we are playing at home."

Portugal must win against Spain if they are to progress to the quarter-finals, with a draw only benefiting Inaki Saez's team.

"We expected to arrive at this game with qualification already achieved, but Greece have taken advantage of their opportunities and are favourites to go through," said Pauleta.

The Paris St Germain forward, who has scored 29 goals for Portugal in 56 appearances, has yet to hit the back of the net in this tournament.

"I hope I can break my bad run against Spain," said the 31-year-old.

Spain's flying winger Joaquin insists the team must go for the win.

Joaquin re-established himself as one of his country's top players with a scintillating performance after coming on as a second-half substitute against Greece.

He is set to start against the Portuguese with Joseba Etxeberria troubled by a thigh injury.

But Joaquin said: "If you play for a draw the likelihood is that you will come out defeated we must go out to win."

Joaquin was one of the hottest players in the Primera Liga following his outstanding performances in the World Cup.

The Real Betis player has been repeatedly linked with a move to Spanish giants Real Madrid but his status fell somewhat last season with his club struggling in the league and he lost his first-team place to Etxeberria during qualifying for Euro 2004.

The Bilbao man proved to be a real handful for Greece, with his darting runs down the right side, and into the box.

He said: "I was happy with my Euro 2004 debut against Greece but not with the result.

"I still don't know if I will play but if that is the case I will show what I am capable of doing and give everything for this team."