Scolari talks up Portugal’s Euro 2008 chances

“Portugal more confident than ever” says Brazilian coach

Euro 2008 is fast approaching. The tournament is set to kick off in less than two months, and Portugal play on the opening day against Turkey on 7 June.

Head coach Luiz Felipe Scolari is feeling confident of the team’s chances in lifting the championship this time around after Portuguese fans worldwide were left heartbroken four years ago when they lost to 1-0 to Greece in the final in their own backyard.

The national team have looked anything but Euro contenders in their two recent friendlies which they lost 3-1 to Italy and 2-1 to current European Champions Greece, raising doubts about their chances in Austria and Switzerland. Yet, Scolari remains highly optimistic.

“Euro 2004 was an important time for Portugal as it allowed the team to become more competitive, capable of reaching more finals. We worked extremely hard and I feel that it will not be our last final. We had a good World Cup and we qualified for Euro 2008. Portugal have more confidence than ever,” Scolari told FIFA Magazine.

“The Portuguese national team is stronger mentally. Qualifying for 2008 was not easy. We had difficult moments, but we managed to achieve our objective. In years past, we would not have done so.”

With respect to his selection, the Brazilian kept his cards close to his chest, but did reveal that he may have one or two tricks up his sleeve when it comes to finalising the squad.

Surprise selections

“I can guarantee that the national team will have one or two surprises for Euro 2008. We are building a younger team – only two or three players who participated at the 2002 World Cup will be selected – but we continue to rank among the best national teams in the world.”

Thoughts that Figo or Rui Costa, both in international retirement, might be recalled were quickly dismissed by Scolari. The Brazilian also gave his backing to goalkeeper Ricardo who has recently been demoted to the substitute’s bench at his club side Betis.

“The situation with Ricardo is between him and his coach at Betis. With respect to me, as the coach of the national team, if I feel like selecting him, I will do so regardless of whether he is playing, just as I have done with other players. If I have confidence in any player, I will call him up as I can get him prepared in the 20 days in the lead-up to Euro 2008,” stated Scolari.

As for Ronaldo, Scolari could not hide his admiration for the gifted Portuguese and is both pleased and surprised at how quickly the Manchester United man has developed as a player, but perhaps more importantly as a leader as well.

“He is a key player for Manchester Untied and for the national team. Cristiano is an example of a boy who has matured very quickly, as a player and as a leader. I am thoroughly convinced he will be one of the best players in the world for the next three, four or five years, even longer. He is the captain and one of the leaders of the Portuguese national team.”