Scolari to fill final gaps
Friday, June 4, 2004
Article summary
Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari will use Saturday's friendly against Lithuania to confirm his starting lineup.
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Rui Jorge returns
Rui Jorge will be back in action against Lithuania after being cleared of doping allegations and is looking to oust Nuno Valente, who misses the match with tendonitis, and reclaim his left-back spot. Right-back Paulo Ferreira and central defenders Fernando Couto and Jorge Andrade are all assured of their places in the Portuguese defence.
Rui Costa or Deco
Coach Luiz Felipe Scolari favours a five-man midfield with Petit and Costinha sharing the anchor role in front of the defence, giving Luís Figo and Simão Sabrosa the freedom to attack down the flanks. But Scolari must choose between Rui Costa and FC Porto playmaker Deco for the final attacking midfield berth.
Deco downbeat
Deco led Porto to victory with a man-of-the-match performance in the final of the UEFA Champions League but he expects to be back on the bench for the match against Greece on 12 June.
Brazilian born
"I don't know what's in the coach's mind but from what we've seen the first choice will be Rui Costa. I don't think we're incompatible but we'll have to see. Whenever I've played alongside him I've felt good," said Brazilian-born Deco, who was called up to the Portugal squad in March 2003, just a week after being granted Portuguese citizenship.
Pauleta jaded
Paris Saint-Germain FC striker Pauleta, with 29 international goals in 56 appearances, is sure to start against Greece, but is recovering from a demanding season so will make way for SL Benfica forward Nuno Gomes for the game against Lithuania. Cristiano Ronaldo, Tiago and Beto are also hoping to get some time on the pitch on Saturday.
No risks
"We will not take any risks," Scolari said. "Pauleta should be out of the game because he had a tough season in France. We have seen some examples of other teams that took risks and lost players for the finals. I will not play anyone against Lithuania if they are in a fragile condition."
Goalkeeping battle
Sporting Clube de Portugal's Ricardo is Portugal's established No1 goalkeeper and is expected to line up against Lithuania despite a recent feud with some sections of the media, but the real battle will be between reserves Quim and Moreira, who could return from captaining his country in the UEFA European Under-21 tournament in Germany to steal a place on the bench against Greece.
Historic achievement
There is certainly a sense of destiny, and anticipation, in the Portugal camp as the tournament grows closer. "The opportunity to become European champion after being a world champion is extraordinary and would be an historic achievement," said Scolari, who coached Brazil to FIFA World Cup triumph in 2002.