LISBON, Portugal (AP) — Portugal have made their worst start to European Championship qualifying in more than 20 years and coach Luiz Felipe Scolari needs to get his team back on track against Belgium on today.Portugal haven’t beaten Belgium since 1987, and the Belgians also need a win if they want to stay in contention for the 2008 tournament in Austria and Switzerland.

“It’s time to change the course of history,” Benfica striker Nuno Gomes said.

Scolari, who took Portugal to the Euro 2004 final and fourth place at last year’s World Cup, said his team needs to win all of its remaining Group A matches.

“The team is more cohesive now than right after the World Cup,” Scolari said yesterday. “There were the holidays and some injuries and now the group is more balanced.”

The Brazilian coach said his team was in good form but did not underestimate the Belgium side.

“They have good players, and have a similar style to that of the English,” he said. “I never assume we are favourites, that is an absurd thing to say in this day and age. We are not big enough to say we are better than Belgium.”

Portugal and Belgium share fourth place in the group ahead of the game at Sporting Lisbon’s Alvalade Stadium, but Portugal have played four games to Belgium’s five.

So far, Portugal have seven points from a possible 12. They lost 2-1 in Poland and drew 1-1 in Finland.

After hosting Belgium at the weekend, they travel to Serbia for a game on Wednesday.

“To get to the top of the group standings we have to beat Belgium first and then Serbia, but we can handle the pressure,” Gomes said.

“Belgium are an experienced team. They’re also tall players which will require us to be careful in some situations.”

Portugal are the highest-scoring team in the group with eight goals, but its attack is weakened by the absence of midfielders Deco and Simao Sabrosa. The FC Barcelona player underwent surgery on his right hand this week, while Simao is suspended.

FC Porto winger Ricardo Quaresma is likely to replace Simao on the left flank, while Sporting Lisbon’s Joao Moutinho could step into the playmaker role. Valencia’s Hugo Viana trained against Moutinho on Thursday and could also assume Deco’s position.

Werder Bremen’s Hugo Almeida could push strikers Nuno Gomes of Benfica, and FC Porto’s Helder Postiga out of the way for what would be his international debut.

“I would like to follow in the footsteps of Pauleta,” Almeida said of the PSG player who is the all-time top scorer for Portugal.

Belgium is missing Manchester City striker Emile Mpenza who has a thigh strain. He was replaced by Racing Genk striker Kevin Vandenbergh. Also, midfielder Karel Geraerts has a toe injury and is doubtful.

PSV midfielder Timmy Simons is suspended but he travelled to Lisbon with the squad.

“Portugal are a top team but from what I hear this could be to our advantage,” Simons said. “It almost seems a friendly for them, and they are only centring on Wednesday’s game against Serbia. In these conditions, we could spring a surprise.”