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FIFAWORLDCUP - In the wake of Portugal's shock first-round exit at the 2002 FIFA World Cup™, Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari was just the man to step into the breach and revive flagging spirits.
Unyielding, serious and hugely qualified, the coach who led Brazil to victory in the Far East wasted no time in getting to grips with his new role. With Scolari at the helm, Portugal have enjoyed considerable success, reaching the final of the 2004 UEFA European Championship and making light work of qualifying for Germany 2006.

The Brazilian spoke exclusively to FIFAworldcup.com during a recent visit to Dusseldorf, the setting for a pre-tournament preparatory workshop. In an intriguing interview, Scolari spoke candidly about his gut feelings ahead of this summer's finals, his tips for the title and the possibility of facing Brazil. "They're the hot favourites. Let's hope we face them in the final."


FIFAworldcup.com: Mr Scolari, having successfully led Portugal through qualifying for the FIFA World Cup, what do you hope to achieve in Germany?
Luiz Felipe Scolari: Our goal in qualifying was to top the group, or at the very least be among the best second-placed sides. I wouldn't say that it was easy, but we qualified in style, finishing in first place with nine wins and three draws. Once we'd sealed qualification, we started preparing the team for the World Cup. The idea is not to put ourselves under too much pressure or give the players the mistaken impression that 'it's the title or nothing'.

In that case, what is Portugal's goal for Germany 2006?
Obviously, we want to put in a good performance. However, if you make it seem like the only thing that matters is the title, you run the risk of plunging the squad into a pit of depression and frustration if it doesn't happen. Make no mistake about it, we're going to Germany with the idea of winning, or reaching the final, but there's a long way to go before we get to that stage. If we make it through the first two or three rounds, then we'll have had a brilliant tournament.

Portuguese players are traditionally very technically-gifted. Was it difficult to get your tactical ideas across?
No it wasn't. Tactically, European players are more disciplined than South Americans, which made that part of my job much easier than I could have imagined. That said, I must confess I had to adapt my approach to fit the characteristics of Portuguese players. I came here with a system of play in mind but had to change it as I went along. The tactical ideas I had prepared simply wouldn't have worked with this group of footballers.

What is the biggest difference between Brazilian and Portuguese players?
(Pauses for thought) They are very similar. Portuguese players love the technical side of the game and are tactically astute. Perhaps we South Americans enjoy ourselves more out on the field and play with more spontaneity.

Needless to say, you will have been keeping a close eye on the recent performances of group rivals Angola, Iran and Mexico.
Yes, of course. We've now got a collection of videos, which we're currently using to analyse the key features of each team and other factors that may prove useful in the future: how they move, which players they've got, their strengths, etc. We'll pick the right moment to show them to our players and see how much of the information sinks in. On top of that, we've also prepared detailed dossiers on the majority of those sides that we could potentially face later on. We're intent on making it through the group.

Germany 2006 will see more sides coached by Brazilians than any other nationality. Why are you and your fellow Brazilian coaches so in demand?
There is a very clear line in today's football between national team coaches and those who receive more lucrative offers to work at club level. However, South American coaches, especially Brazilians and Argentinians, have a certain mystique about them and a unique way of working and getting their message across. I'd say that they get everybody involved, know how to keep people's attention and have this great ability to generate group harmony. It's also worth pointing out that we're disciplined, organised and particularly adept at creating the right atmosphere. We make everything enjoyable, and that's what football's all about - having fun! That's why you see so many Argentinians and Brazilians enjoying success all over the world. There could be even more of us in the future, as the more successful we are abroad, the more doors will open for us.


Are Brazil strong favourites to come away with the trophy?
Absolutely, by a long way. Then, as we move down the list we have another South American contender in Argentina. Of the European nations, Italy are improving technically, and England are historically a strong side. Other teams like the Netherlands and Czech Republic are also playing very attractive football. The traditional contenders are the ones with the best chance of success, as they have more experience at the latter stages of tournaments. The historically successful sides may make the semi-finals, but there could also be a surprise from other teams playing quality football.

Have you considered how it would feel to cross paths with Brazil?
Of course! I'd feel exactly the same as I do when I face any other national team. As a professional I need to be able to put aside the fact that I was born and raised in Brazil, that I love my country, and everything else. My experiences while living abroad have helped me learn how to make that distinction. Obviously I'd love to lead a team like Portugal to the final and face Brazil. That would be a wonderful situation for me, because I couldn't lose. On the one hand, I live in Portugal. It's a great place and at the moment I see it as my country. On the other hand, I was born and raised in Brazil. Anyway, given the draw, it may not turn out that way. Let's just hope we can reach the Final.

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