Scolari: “I have the opportunity to come back with the World Cup”

We thank our reader Pedro for sending us this article where Scolari talks about Bruno Vale, Viana and Ricardo Costa but not Quaresma. This is the official interview transcription, which was done during the roster announce.

Question – Which were the criteria to cap a U-21 player like Viana but not Quaresma who was considered the best player on the Portuguese League?

Scolari – I won’t talk about the absences. About Hugo, he is a fine footballer, with great skill, who sometimes played for the U-21 squad to improve his game. He can play as an offensive midfielder and he is our only left-footed in that position.

Q – Maniche started only a few times in Chelsea and Costinha hasn’t played for 6 months. Do you think they will have condition to play a tournament where so much physical strength is required?

S – Those players have done a lot to the national team, therefore they have our trust. They manage to overcome hard times on their club. With the friendly matches and the work with Darlan Schneider and the doctors they will be fit for the World Cup.

Q – There are also some like Figo, Pauleta, Deco or Ronaldo who could get overloaded with so many games…

S – Well, I recently watched an Inter Milan’s match and Figo was running more then when he was 18. I believe that we will be careful and with the preparation in Évora they will be going to the World Cup as well as they did on the Euro04.

Q – Why did you choose Ricardo Costa to replace Jorge Andrade?

S – Ricardo has 93 international matches. He was the U-21, Olimpia and even Porto’s captain. Beside that, he showed us a good game against Ireland. He is a team player, which can play in so many places and can do well when needed.

Q – Did you already define the team which will be playing against Angola?

S – No. I defined 7 or 8 names to start against Cape Green but for the first World Cup game I have… 23. They will have to work hard to deserve a place on the team. Will play whoever has the best condition, depending on the opponent, of course.

Q – You took Moreira to the Euro04 and now Bruno Vale. Did you keep the criteria of always call a U-21 goalie?

S – At first, yes. Our philosophy is to work with the U-21 squad too, like the goalkeeper who plays in Greece [Daniel Fernandes]. I did this everywhere I coached. In other words: work with 2 experienced goalies and 1 young one.

Q – Who will be the strongest opponent on the first stage?

S – It’s always the next one. The first one is always the harder. However, I received today an Iran’s match on tape and I must say for those who don’t know them well that they are a good team, with technical skill who can made our way to the round of 16 very hard. And we can’t forget about Mexico, who is one of the best team on the tournament. Therefore, I can’t think that will be easy.

Q – What can you promise to the Portuguese on this World Cup?

S – Dedication and hard work. Right now, I can say how far we would go because there are others great teams who also wish to win the tournament. If we don’t, we shall at least show our dedication and skills on the field.

Q – To have a World Cup title….

S – It’s grateful to have a World Cup and I have no words to describe it right now. I have the opportunity to come back with the World Cup again, but we need to work very hard to do it.