Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal will face the real prospect of not featuring in the 2014 World Cup if they fail to get a positive result in Israel in their World Cup Qualifier Friday.
Portugal are currently level on points with Israel on seven each, with Russia clear on top of Group F with 12 points. Paulo Bento's men will look for all three points against the dangerous Israelis, with Ronaldo again expected to be the focal point of all attacks.
"Of course it's an important game," Bento said. "Are we under more pressure than when we began the campaign? Of course we are.
"In a country where it's 'all or nothing' people may have less confidence in us, but they have to grant us the right to be optimistic. We are well prepared, we know what we have to do and we want to play a good game."
Portugal do have a few problems with Manchester United winger Nani ruled out through injury and Porto playmaker Joao Moutinho a doubt.
Bento insisted he would play Moutinho only if he was fully fit, despite what is at stake. "Moutinho will only play if he is one hundred percent fit," Bento added. "The most precious asset we have is our health. There will be no lack of respect and no risks will be taken. Logically, we will try everything to get him fit up until the last minute."
Israel will have a few familiar faces in their lineup as well with Premier League trio Yossi Benayoun, Itay Schechter and Tal Ben Haim expected to feature.
"It's an important game, we have to be very focused," Portugal and Real Madrid defender Pepe said. "It will be difficult but we will try to win. I have never played in Israel but I know some players from their team, especially playing in Spain, are very good.
"We have to impose our style and experience and take this game seriously.
"It is not the decider because we have other crucial games and Russia have yet to play in Portugal. But is it really an important game. We want to be at the World Cup and, within the group, we believe we can do it and do not want to contemplate another possibility."
To watch Israel vs Portugal Live Stream, click here.
Expected lineups: Israel: Harush, Keinan, Gabai, Tibi, Ben Haim, Rikan, Natcho, Melikson, Radi, Benayoun, Schechter.
Portugal: Rui Patricio; Joao Pereira, Pepe, Alves, Coentrao; Veloso, Moutinho, Meireles; Varela, Postiga, Cristiano Ronaldo.
Prediction: 2-1 to Portugal
