Gilberto Silva and Juninho, May start in midfield for Brazil. While Kaka and Emerson are rated as doubtful. Both have knee and ankle problems, with doctors declaring them "70% fit". Lucio has recovered from a knock, while Robinho (thigh) is making progress. France have suffered a late scare after veteran midfielder Zinedine Zidane sat out training on Thursday. The 34-year-old has a sore foot but is expected to play in an unchanged team.

Italian, Marco Materazzi is suspended so Andrea Barzagli, Italy’s only other available centre-half, is likely to start alongside Fabio Cannavaro in defence. Ukraine striker Andriy Voronin will miss the rest of the World Cup because of a thigh injury. Sergiy Rebrov is likely to come in to the midfield, meaning Andriy Vorobei will play further forward.

Englands Gary Neville, who has been missing for the last 2 games, has declared himself fit for the match against Portugal. The 31-year-old has not featured since England’s opener against Paraguay. Portugal will miss Costinha and Deco on Saturday after they were sent off against Holland in the second round. Armando Petit may come in for Costinha, with Luis Figo taking over in central midfield from Deco, while Cristiano Ronaldo hopes to shake off his injury