Pauleta makes peace plea to Angola

Portugal striker Pauleta has warned Angola not to turn tomorrow's clash in Cologne into a colonial grudge match.

The two nations have met just twice previously and the last time, in Lisbon in November 2001, had to be abandoned 20 minutes early with Portugal leading 5-1 after four Angolans were sent off.

Now, with the eyes of the world watching, the Paris St Germain striker is keen for the nation that only gained independence from Portugal in 1975 to behave itself on the pitch.

He said: 'If that happens again it would be terrible for a competition like the World Cup. I'm sure it won't. That game was a friendly match. Now we are playing in the World Cup finals.'

Perhaps with this in mind, FIFA have appointed a South American referee for the occasion in Uruguayan Jorge Larrionda.

The parrot-breeding official is no stranger to controversy himself however, having failed to award Brazil a goal in a qualifier with Colombia when a shot from Adriano bounced over the line off the crossbar.

Tomorrow's game in the RheinEnergie Stadium will also be Angola's World Cup finals debut and Pauleta was keen to avoid the same humbling experience France suffered at the hands of African opposition four years ago.

The reigning world champions were beaten by Senegal - debutants who had previously been under French rule - in their opening match and failed to make it past the group stage.

Pauleta said: 'We don't want history to repeat itself. We have lots of respect for the Angola team. And we are different countries playing at a different World Cup.'

Portugal have progressed past the group stage just once themselves, finishing third in 1966.

The 2002 tournament started brightly for both Pauleta and the national team when he netted a hat-trick in a 4-0 victory over Poland but just days later defeat by South Korea knocked them out.

The 33-year-old failed to find the net in the Euro 2004 finals but regained his former proficiency in front of goal in the qualifiers for this competition, with his tally of 11 the best in Europe.

But the forward who was once linked with a move to Manchester City was making no bold predictions. He said: 'Football is all about goals but we will see if they are to continue.

'The coach has said our main objective is to get past round one and I agree with him. Our team have unity and solidarity, we are all in good form and we are ready to represent our nation.'