I stand by my statements about canada. the replies from those of you in canada shows how little you know about futebol. Also, I was in Portugal for the entire month of the tournament and I did not here or read a single good word about scolari until after portugal beat Spain. He started getting some good press especially after the semi-final win. To say that people were only putting flags up because someone told them to is just ridiculous. The Portuguese I met were so proud of thier country and I think in 2006 and 2008 and beyond Portugal will look the same - flags from every window, on evry car, everywhere you look portuguese colors and people supporting thier team.
I don't know what country you were in during the Euro but I am not sure it was Portugal. Scolari did make the comment that he "wanted to see flags hanging from every window!" This was a suggestion that it seems like the whole country followed. As for press, he recieved both good and bad press the entire month. I think generally he is well respected but not everyone agrees with him. Lets face it, have we ever had a coach that did not receive some sort of criticism. I think every country has. Look at Sven Goran Erikson. Even he has taken heat. I think the most riduculous comment you made was that "everywhere you look portuguese colors and people supporting thier team." Well were did you think you were Newark, New Jersey. (which by the way if you walked down Ferry Street, does give you a bit of that Portuguese feel.)
It gave Maniche something to prove...and that he did at Euro2004. It was a risk. Veterans Figo and Rui Costa were opposed it! Scolari didn't care. First off, Baia would of sulked being a backup to Ricardo(bad for team chemistry). Also, Vitor Baia had a disastrous World Cup in 2002. It was time to introduce the new guard. I commend Scolari. You have to remember Fernando Couto and Rui Jorge were proven veterans, while Paulo Ferreira, Rui Costa, and Simao are quality players. But I do have to agree...there must of been some pressure from somewhere to make so many wholesale changes(I wonder where from though seriously! FPF? Media? Fans? Coaching Staff?) Bring on a 2nd striker? At the expense of who? Costinha...no way! Maniche...he'd been our best player to that point. Deco...um No! Cristiano or Figo...I don't think so either. I do think Nuno Gomes should of been brought on a bit sooner. But 2 strikers...We don't have two quality strikers IMO. Well call it what you want...it worked out extremely well. I think Portugal outplayed Spain so that neutralizes your point about Spain. Players like we had...we did extremely well considering the huge pressure of losing the opening game. For the players to come back from that psychological blow says alot about them...and Scolari. IMHO Scolari did and continues to do a pretty admirable job. Keep it up or else!
so, are you saying that if the portuguese people were not told to show support for thier team they would have just gone about with thier normal lives and not had any flags in windows? yes I said "everywhere you look portuguese colors and people supporting thier team." as a good thing! meaning that the portuguese don't need somebody to tell them to show support for thier team! I've never been to new jersey so that ferry street comment went right over my head. and most of the people that I spoke with DID NOT LIKE SCOLARI! Porto had just won the champions league and Scolari still went with veterans that were having trouble with thier club sides. it didn't make any sense to me nor to most of the portuguese that I spoke with. I guess in Canada you guys see things a little different.
I'm satisifed thus far. You can't have any BIG complaints about him, only differences. The only thing I have a gripe about is him playing Boa Morte, who's unable to handle the pressure of NT-Level, and the fact that he hasn't called Miguelito to go for the left-side. I'd also like to see Hilario get his chance at goal in one of the future friendlies. But I honestly can't say I can complain about Scolari. The team's been playing great bar Lichtenstein. Playing great comes first, and the results will always follow. Scolari could easily have us play Greek style, and we could very well do it with the defensive players that have spurred out on the scene these last few seasons, but he doesn't because he knows damn well it's possible to win playing well.
.....but obviously not as strange as those living in Portugal. In the spirit of halloween I proclaim you a freak of nature!
Seriously..he can literly do that for all i care i want a young winger like helder barbosa to step in....another c ronaldo by 2006 anyone?? the wingers i want right on the NTL team are C ronaldo Quaresma Simao Figo( he'll come back)
Helder Barbosa has plenty of time to come up, just as Vierinha, who I am eager to see playing in SuperLiga so that Deco gets SOME competition for his spot in the NT.
scolari isa on off again coach one game he is catergorized as a genius the next hes not. im mad at him for not giving other players a chance man its that simple its a tryout not a real game portugal has some good talent problem is if they dont play with the nt they wont gain any experience.
There's all this talk about Vieirinha, Helder Barbosa, and Bruno Gama...these guys are all like 17 and 18. Gimme a break. It's gonna take a few more years of seasoning for these guys to even be considered. These KIDS aren't even ready to feature in the starting 11 of their club team, let alone their national team. Gimme a break! Scolari has to keep on keeping on...with the likes of either Boa Morte or Quaresma on the wing.