Players need to get fitter for Portugal challenge

LISBON, Sep 7 (Reuters) Luiz Felipe Scolari needs fitter players if Portugal are to qualify for Euro 2008, the Brazilian coach said after a 1-1 draw with Finland.

''I'm happy with my player's dedication to overcoming difficulties that have been much greater than in past seasons,'' Scolari was quoted by Portuguese newspapers as saying after their Euro opener.

The World Cup semi-finalists are clear favourites to win Group A but Scolari is concerned over the condition of the players following a short close season.

''We are not as good (physically) as we were in the previous seasons,'' he said.

Portugal, runners-up at Euro 2004, had to cling on for most of the second half in Helskinki after defender Ricardo Costa was dismissed on 53 minutes for a second yellow card.

They had goalkeeper Ricardo to thank for keeping them level after he made a string of saves including two outstanding stops from Sami Hyypia.

Portugal and Finland are in Group A with, Serbia, Belgium, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Poland and Armenia.

REUTERS PDS HT1815