FRANKFURT, June 16 (Xinhua) -- Portugal captain Luis Figo is expecting Iran to be difficult opponents in their World Cup Group D match here on Saturday.

    Luiz Felipe Scolari's side will look to assure a place in the knockout stages with a win over Team Melli in Frankfurt, with Portugal likely to contest top spot in Group D with Mexico.

    In fact, the emphasis on earning a win over the Middle Eastern side will grow, should the Mexicans claim a second straight win by defeating Angola on Friday evening.

    Despite beating the Angolans 1-0 in their opening group match, Portugal's performance was less than impressive against The Black Antelopes.

    Internazionale man Figo has warned his team-mates they face a strong challenge from the Iranians, who face the possibility of elimination from the finals with another defeat.

    "We certainly do not expect this to be an easy task because in a World Cup, there are no easy matches," Figo said. "If Iran lose, they will be out."

    Figo was quick to praise Scolari for his efforts with the Seleccao das Quinas, stating his regret that the Brazilian tactician had not been placed in charge sooner.

    "He is the best coach we have ever had," Figo said. "Under his command, a lot of positive things have happened.

    "I would have loved it if he had taken over sooner."

    Scolari, meanwhile, hit back at critics who claim that his sidelacked a level of entertainment in their display against Angola.

    "All that matters is a win and not how we do it," Scolari said. Enditem