CHONJU (Reuters):

Portugal's Sergio Conceicao raises his arms as he celebrates Rui Costa's goal against Poland in their World Cup Finals match in Chonju yesterday. Portugal beat Poland 4-0. - Reuters

PORTUGAL put their World Cup campaign back on track with a morale-boosting 4-0 win over Poland, but they still need a victory over co-hosts South Korea to guarantee a place in the last 16.

After a shock 3-2 defeat by the United States in their opening match, the strongly-fancied Portuguese have three points and lie in third place in group D, behind South Korea and the United States.

A draw against the hosts in Incheon on Friday would leave them needing an unlikely win by already-eliminated Poland over the United States to clinch second place.

While Luis Figo looked back to something like his best against the Poles, the star of the night was striker Pauleta, whose hat-trick answered the critics who singled him out after the opening defeat.

"I am very happy, happy for those who trusted in me," the Bordeaux player said after the game.

"I think it was a good performance by me. But against the United States I think I also had a good game. I just didn't score any of the opportunities I had, so I don't feel better or worse about today's game than our last game."

Coach Antonio Oliveira also paid tribute to second-half substitute Rui Costa. When the Milan midfielder came on the score was only 1-0 and Poland were pressing, but Costa's experience saw Portugal regain control and he even scored the fourth goal.

"I think Rui Costa was on great form and the victory is largely due to his coming on to play, at least in terms of obtaining goals which calmed us down," Oliveira said.

Oliveira revised his side's tactics for the victory over Poland, playing a tighter formation and using Pauleta as a lone striker.

Figo, the World Player of the Year, said Portugal would take the lessons learnt against Poland into their decider with South Korea.

"There are some lessons to be learned from tonight," he said. "Our positional play, the way we played together. If we improve game by game individually, we can get results."

The victory was a perfect way for Oliveira to celebrate his 50th birthday on Monday, even more so as it was Portugal's national day.

But he is fully aware that there is still plenty of hard work to do if his side are not to become one of the highest profile casualties of the opening phase.

"We have to have faith in what will be a decisive game," he said. "South Korea can create a lot of problems for us, especially from a physical point of view. They are quick and well-prepared.

"But we will do everything possible to obtain three points. Victory is not only possible but vital."