Scolari shows his hand

By Diogo Teixeira

Portugal have given Maniche a chance to shine at UEFA EURO 2004™ after he was named in Luiz Felipe Scolari's provisional 23-man squad.

Surprise call
The FC Porto midfield player had not been involved in the national team set-up since the 3-0 defeat by Spain in September. He gets the nod ahead of Fulham FC's Luís Boa Morte. Scolari said: "He is a player who has been in good form. He can play in different positions and can be very useful to us."

Postiga return
Another notable inclusion is Tottenham Hotspur FC forward Hélder Postiga, who has hardly featured over the last 18 months. "Hélder Postiga is a player who has different qualities," Scolari said. "With him I get the chance to change tactics if needed."

Moreira chance
Young SL Benfica goalkeeper Moreira will also join the squad after the UEFA European Under-21 Championship which begins later this month. There were no surprises in defence with the only doubt being left-back Rui Jorge. However, he was cleared of doping offences yesterday and is free to play.

Familiar faces
It is also a familiar story in midfield, with the experienced duo of Luís Figo and Rui Costa among the six chosen while 19-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo is among the forwards after a promising year with Manchester United FC.

Nervous time
Scolari faces an anxious wait, however, over the coming days. Maniche along with Porto colleagues Deco, Nuno Valente, Paulo Ferreira, Costinha and Ricardo Carvalho will represent their club in the UEFA Champions League final a week tomorrow, while first-choice forward Pauleta will be involved with Paris Saint-Germain FC in the French Cup final the following Saturday.

Final selection
Scolari summed up his selection: "All Portugal has to be sure that I have chosen the best players and must focus their support on this 23. I have called up 36 players in recent months but I can now only select 23."

High expectations
He added: "Our first goal is to reach the knock-out stage. Of course we aim higher, but that is other phase. The Portuguese are right to expect that, because that is what I am going to expect from my players."

Portugal squad

Goalkeepers
Ricardo (Sporting Clube de Portugal)
Quim (SC Braga)
Moreira (SL Benfica)

Defenders
Jorge Andrade (RC Deportivo La Coruña) 
Fernando Couto (S.S. Lazio)
Ricardo Carvalho (FC Porto)
Miguel (SL Benfica)
Paulo Ferreira (FC Porto)
Nuno Valente (FC Porto)
Rui Jorge (Sporting Clube de Portugal)
Beto (Sporting Clube de Portugal)

Midfielders
Tiago (SL Benfica)
Petit (SL Benfica)
Costinha (FC Porto)
Deco (FC Porto)
Maniche (FC Porto)
Rui Costa (AC Milan)
Luís Figo (Real Madrid CF)

Forwards
Pauleta (Paris Saint-Germain FC)
Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United FC)
Simão Sabrosa (SL Benfica)
Nuno Gomes (SL Benfica)
Hélder Postiga (Tottenham Hotspur FC)