Players have nothing but praise for Scolari

MARIENFELD, Germany, June 30 (Reuters) Dubbed England's nemesis ahead of their quarter-final tomorrow, Luiz Felipe Scolari has injected self confidence and belief into a Portugal side which had lacked a killer instinct in major tournaments.

As witnessed in last Sunday's hard-fought second round match against the Dutch, Scolari's Portuguese have a deeper passion and a stronger fighting spirit than ever before.

''He has brought self-esteem and made the players believe in themselves,'' said winger Simao Sabrosa, who described the Brazilian-born coach as a ''father figure.'' 'Big Phil' took over as coach after Portugal's first round exit at the last World Cup, a competition in which he led his native Brazil to the title.

He took Portugal to the final of Euro 2004 on home soil, beating England along the way, and they are now enjoying their best World Cup in a generation.

If his side beat England on Saturday, it will be the first time in 40 years that Portugal have been in the semi-final.

Scolari has also won a record 11 successive World Cup games, seven with Brazil in 2002 and four more here.

''We are here to help him beat more records,'' said midfielder Maniche, who has scored twice in the World Cup so far.

''It is always a privilege to work with one of the best in the world. Mr Scolari has a lot of experience and he transmits that to the players,'' he added.

Scolari certainly gets his message across, prowling the techncal area like a caged tiger, yelling and gesticulating wildly at his players in marked contrast to England's Sven-Goran Eriksson, who remains seated and understated.

Playmaker Deco, who was also born in Brazil, described his boss as ''a winner.'' ''He is a strong character and a friend of the players. The secret of his success is the atmosphere he creates in the squad.

We are very happy with him,'' he said.

Veteran captain Luis Figo says he is an invaluable asset.

''At this moment, Scolari is an extremely important person in terms of working to help develop the national team. We would be very fortunate if we can continue to work with him,'' he said.

Scolari's contract with Portugal ends on July 31 and he has refused to be drawn on whether he will renew that agreement.

After pulling out of talks two months ago with England's Football Association about becoming Eriksson's successor after the finals, he has not ruled out taking the England job one day -- if Portugal are prepared to let him go.

But the coach says there are no secrets to his success.

''I am a good trainer and I have achieved good results in my career... but I am principally a good friend to the people I work with,'' he said.

''In 99 per cent of places where I have worked, the people like me a lot because I am an expansive person, a happy person,'' REUTERS HS RAI2301