Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal know there can be no more setbacks if they are to book a flight to Brazil for the 2014 World Cup next year.
However, it will not be easy as they face group leaders Russia in a titanic World Cup qualifier at the Estadio Da Luz aka the Stadium of Light in Lisbon.
Portugal are currently third in Group F, level on points with second-placed Israel, while Russia top the group with 12 points having played two games less.
The Portuguese have made it a habit of making it hard for themselves when it comes to qualifying for the big tournaments; but if they lose to Russia on Friday, even making the playoffs might be beyond them and the unthinkable prospect of having to watch the World Cup at home will loom large.
"It is going to be a very important match for us because we know that we do not have much margin for error," Ronaldo was quoted as saying on the Portuguese Federation's website.
"We must win. We are going to play at home and there will be a fantastic environment. We want to win this match in honor of all the Portuguese fans."
It won't be easy for Portugal, though, with Fabio Capello moulding the Russian side to a cohesive well-drilled unit.
"The qualification match in Lisbon is without a doubt a very important match for Russia, as well as Portugal," Capello told news reporters.
"It is vital for us to be at the World Cup in 2014, which is something that would really help develop Russian Football."
Portugal will have to do without influential defender Pepe in their lineup, with the Real Madrid player suspended for the game, but goalkeeper Rui Patricio is confident his side can pull off the desired result.
"We want to win this game and ensure our presence at the World Cup," he told reporters. "We're just focused on winning. That is our main goal and that is what we are preparing for at this stage.
"Pepe is very important to us but whoever is in his place will be his equal. I have also had games without Cristiano Ronaldo and we have won."
To watch Portugal vs Russia Live Stream for U.S. viewers, click here.
Expected lineups: Portugal: Patricio; Pereira, Alves, Costao, Conetrao; Micael, Veloso, Moutinho; Nani, Postiga, Ronaldo.
Russia: Akinfeev; Anyukov, Ignashevich; A. Berezutski, V. Berezutski; Faizulin, Denisov; Bystrov, Dzagoev, Shirokov; Kerzhakov.
Prediction: 2-1 to Portugal
