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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. |
