Scolari backs England in Blatter boring jibe

MARIENFELD, Germany, June 30 (Reuters) Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari sprung to the defence of World Cup quarter-final opponents England today, saying he too preferred results over beautiful football.

Sven-Goran Eriksson's side, who meet Portugal in Gelsenkirchen on Saturday, were criticised by FIFA president Sepp Blatter for a lack of attacking football at the tournament.

''I'm not a trainer who lies and says that I want to win beautifully with the beautiful game,'' Scolari told a news conference.

''I want results, England and Portugal both do. Some of those who have played beautifully are already at home,'' he added.

'Big Phil', as he is known in his native Brazil, said he was expecting an emotional and exciting game tomorrow, but was not losing any sleep.

''I can sleep with helicopters or mosquitoes. I don't pay a sleeping tax,'' he said, adding:. ''It's going to be a hard-fought game, strong and vibrant, as is the spirit of the two teams.'' The coach said beating England -- which he has done twice already, once with Portugal and once with Brazil -- and taking Portugal through to the last four in this World Cup would be ''one of the three best achievements in my sporting career.'' REUTERS DH HS1929