Simao We're in Toughest Group

Portugal forward Simao believes his side have been handed the toughest group at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Selecção das Quinas were pulled out of the hat alongside Brazil, Korea DPR and the Ivory Coast in Group G in December's draw in Cape Town.

The Atletico Madrid star admits that Portugal will struggle to progress from the 'Group of Death' unless they are able to up their game, something they struggled to do during the majority of the qualifiers.

Simao told FIFA's official website: "It's the toughest group at the competition. Brazil, Côte d'Ivoire and Korea DPR - it's so difficult!

"If we want to progress, we're going to have to reproduce our form from the last few qualifiers.

"It's vital to win, or get at least a point, in our first game against the Africans.

"Our opponents are very strong, we know that, but we'll have time to prepare for that encounter.

"It's the most important game of our World Cup."

Simao also revealed that the team is not looking too far ahead, with progress to the next round of the tournament the first obstacle they want to clear.

"Given the group we've been drawn in, our main aim is getting through to the last 16," the 30-year-old added. "Then we'll see what happens, but if we can get through then anything's possible.

"That said, the pressure's not going to ease off because we could end up meeting Spain in the last 16. But that's looking too far ahead, first of all we've got to get out of our group."