Third-place match causes suffering, says Scolari

STUTTGART, July 7: The third-place match at the World Cup causes suffering for the teams involved, said Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari ahead of his side's game with Germany tomorrow.

Scolari said it was a struggle to motivate players only days after they suffered agonising defeats in the semi-finals of the competition.

Hosts Germany were beaten 2-0 by Italy on Tuesday, conceding two goals deep into extra time, and Portugal went down to a 1-0 defeat against France on Wednesday, sunk by a controversial penalty.

''From the business perspective, maybe it's a good thing,'' said Scolari.

''If you're on our side of the fence, this game represents suffering, rather than a match you are happy to take part in.

''After losing to France, it's very difficult to motivate the players for this.

''It's difficult to stop our players and ourselves thinking about what we missed out on. You think about what you've lost and not about what you might win.

''But it's part and parcel of the World Cup and we have to be optimistic.'' Portugal arrived in Stuttgart from Munich two hours late because of bad weather on the way. The team's plane circled Stuttgart airport several times, before diverting to Frankfurt.

It then completed the journey when the weather improved.

''We hope this won't affect us,'' said Scolari.

''It wasn't the best of situations. It was complicated for the team spirit, there was a bit of anxiety and apprehension because of the problem on the flight.''

Reuters

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