Results 1 to 3 of 3

Thread: Big Phil aiming for hat-trick

  1. #1
    Portugal coach Luis Felipe Scolari has a selection headache as he bids to knock Sven Goran-Eriksson's England out of a third successive major tournament. The Swede will make changes of his own after the recovery of Gary Neville.

    Scolari was in charge of the Brazil team which beat England 2-1 in the 2002 World Cup and then as Portugal coach oversaw the penalty shoot-out triumph in Euro 2004.

    Both of those games were at the quarter-final stage, as is Saturday's match. It would complete a satisfying hat-trick over England if 'Big Phil' - who turned down the England job once Sven Goran-Eriksson's tenure ends due to the siege mentality of the English press - can do it again.

    The heat predicted by forecasters could be a big plus for his team. In similar conditions in Japan in 2002 England's exhausted players faded out of the game in the second half, and the humidity in 2004 made extra-time difficult for them.

    England had a longer break prior to this tournament, but players have still struggled in Germany. Captain David Beckham suffered physical sickness in the second round match with Ecuador, apparently because of dehydration.

    SUSPENSION HINDERANCE

    Portugal will be hindered in taking advantage of this through the suspension of two key midfield players, protector Costinha and playmaker Deco. Both will be sorely missed after their red cards against the Netherlands in the second round.

    Scolari will almost certainly replace Costinha with Armando Petit and Deco with Simao Sabrosa, both of whom have played significant parts so far in the tournament.

    If injury doubt Cristiano Ronaldo fails to recover in time, Mendes Thiago will slot into the middle with Maniche, with Luis Figo out wide. Figo could move inside if Ronaldo is declared fit.

    NEVILLE RETURN

    England can look forward to the return of Gary Neville at right back. Eriksson looks set to move Owen Hargreaves - who played there against Ecuador - into the midfield holding role at the expense of Michael Carrick.

    Wayne Rooney will again lead the attack, with Peter Crouch ready to come in from the bench. Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard will support from midfield
    http://img470.imageshack.us/img470/8117/badboys6ek.png
    Never hate your enemies -- it effects your judgement."

  2. #2
    hm..waiting to create suspense

  3. #3
    so said ''

    Hatrick complete ho gai

    England r out now
    http://img470.imageshack.us/img470/8117/badboys6ek.png
    Never hate your enemies -- it effects your judgement."

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •