views
By Steve Keating PORT ELIZABETH (Reuters) - Portugal's lunch commitments left a media hungry for information with only scraps to feast on as the famished Portuguese arrived in the Eastern Cape on Monday for their Group G opener against Ivory Coast. After flying into the Port Elizabeth from Johannesburg, Portugal headed directly to Nelson Mandela Bay stadium for a brisk 60-minute training session on a dull, cold day then immediately turned their attention to finding a restaurant. Repeatedly reminded that the players had not eaten so much as a sandwich, the Portuguese squad spokesman took questions from a packed news conference like a frantic waiter taking orders. But there was nothing meaty on the menu, as Portugal coach Carlos Queiroz and playmaker Deco served up only bland morsels. "There is really nothing to say. No comment," a smiling Queiroz told reporters. "This is the time to play and we have to show what we're good at -- playing soccer." Reporters ears perked up when translators confused Ivory Coast forward Didier Drogba with "drug bust" but the mistake was quickly corrected and regular service resumed. Deco said he hoped his injured Chelsea team mate Drogba would play in Tuesday's opener while Queiroz had no information on the status of Ivory Coast striker's broken arm. "I am not a doctor so I cannot say if Didier Drogba is going to be playing," said Queiroz. "After 30 years in soccer there is nothing that surprises me." With Portuguese stomachs growling and reporters grumbling, the press conference shifted to Nani but neither Deco or Queiroz were able, or willing, to shed any light on growing speculation of a possible rift between the team and the winger. (Editing by Michael Holden)
Comments
0 comment