30 June 2006, by Tom Kundert

Scolari unsure about Ronaldo’s fitness

Portugal coach Luiz Filipe Scolari said he still does not know if Cristiano Ronaldo will be fit to face England in the World Cup quarter-final.

“He may, he may not. I have no idea. It’s an undefined situation.”

Ronaldo again missed the training session this morning in Marienfeld increasing the doubts as to his chances of making the starting eleven.

However, Scolari says his team is well prepared for the hugely anticipated match, and reinforced his belief that the players coming in for the suspended Deco and Costinha will do the job asked of them.

“The players know that this is one of Portuguese football’s most important matches in years and they want to grab the chance to be among the world’s top four. I can’t ask more from them. I won’t demand any more than what they are doing.”

“They are all players of an extremely strong squad. As I said previously, all the players I have in this squad are special, and those who play in place of Deco and Costinha are special too. Portugal has full confidence in them.”

“If we don’t eliminate England, it will be because they were better than us,” he added.

The Brazilian brushed aside concerns about a possible repeat of the indiscipline that marred Portugal’s victory over Holland on Sunday. “We don’t expect a violent match, but a hot, vibrant and hard-fought match. Portugal are a very disciplined team. The match against Holland wasn’t as violent as the press made out.”

“We hope outside the pitch I, Eriksson and the players are all winners - we want a great game and a great atmosphere.”

England job back on?

Meanwhile Scolari seemingly reopened the door to possibly coaching England some time in the future. “After 31 July, and without committing myself to another other country or club, I may talk to the English FA,” he confirmed.