Portugal coach Scolari fears Czech pedigree

By Rex Gowar

NEUCHATEL, Switzerland (Reuters) - Czech Republic's rich tournament pedigree is Portugal's chief worry ahead of their Euro 2008 match on Wednesday.

"What I fear is the history and tradition of our opponents," Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari told reporters on Tuesday.

"They have played more World Cups and European Championships than us. It will be a very balanced match (in Geneva)."

The former Czechoslovakia reached the final of the 1934 and 1962 World Cups and lifted the Euro 76 title before finishing as runners-up at Euro 96 in their modern guise.

But Portugal have also done well in recent times, reaching the final of Euro 2004 and taking fourth place at the 2006 World Cup.

Scolari is likely to name an unchanged side after Portugal confirmed their status as Group A favourites with a 2-0 win over Turkey in Geneva.

"It's probably the same team," said the Brazilian, adding 1.92-metre (6-foot-3) central defender Fernando Meira was likely to come on at some stage as he had on Saturday.

EXCELLENT OPTION

"Fernando is an excellent option for his height. The average height of the Czechs is 1.84 metres," said Scolari, who expects an aerial threat from 2.02-metre striker Jan Koller.

Meira came on just before the end to help Portugal fend off Turkey's late, desperate attacks before Scolari's side scored their second goal in stoppage time.

The Portugal coach said he planned to rotate his players throughout the tournament.

"They will all get their chance," he said. "It will depend on what we need against particular rivals.

Asked how Portugal would play against the Czechs, the Brazilian said: "We can't change our style to fit our opponents, we have to impose it on them.

"I'll say something obvious, though. Many times the best defence is a good attack.

"We must mark them closely to prevent them hitting us with high balls."