Source: Xinhua
06-12-2008 13:32
Special Report: 2008 European ChampionshipsGENEVA, June 11 (Xinhua) -- Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari said high praise of the team's physical form after the 3-1 victory over the Czech Republic here on Wednesday sending his side into the Euro 2008 quarterfinals with a match left in Group A.
"The team played with fantastic physical vigor, " said the Brazilian, who led Brazil to win the World Cup in 2002 before taking charge of the Portugal side in 2003 and guiding them to the final of Euro 2004 and semifinals of the World Cup in 2006.
"When I have 15 to 18 days to work more like a club coach you can see the results," he continued.
Manchester United striker Cristiano Ronaldo best carried out Scolari's tactics of extending the coverage of each player to a possible wide range.
The 23-year-old soccer icon was voted the Man of the Match after cracking in the 63-minute goal to put Portugal 2-1 in ahead and assisted the stoppage goal by substitute Ricardo Quaresma.
"I wanted Cristiano and Simao (Sabrosa) to work hard not only on the wings but also in midfield. They did exactly what I wanted them to do," said Scolari.
"The players have been running for the 90 minutes," he added.
Scolari was named as new manager by Chelsea just after leading Portugal qualified for the Euro 2008 quarterfinals after just two of three group matches.
The 59-year-old Brazilian, who will take up the English Premiership post on July 1, two days after the European Championship ends up.
"Felipe has great qualities. He is one of the world's top coaches with a record of success at country and club level," Chelsea said in a statement.
"Out of respect for his current role and to ensure minimum disruption to this work there will be no further comment from Chelsea nor from Felipe about his new role until his employment with us commences," it added.
Editor:Zhang Ning
