World Cup winning coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has tipped the Portuguese national team, which he currently coaches, and defending champions France as his favourites to win Euro 2004 this summer.
Scolari, who coached his native Brazil to the 2002 World Cup title, said that being hosts would give Portugal a huge advantage. He said: "I place Portugal along with France amongst the big favourites, although we should pay attention to Spain and Germany, the 'old wolf' of Europe."
Scolari added: "Portugal is a nation with strong football traditions, many gifted players, and along with France is a European leader in the export of talent abroad. Our weapons are team spirit, the players, but also the public who we are counting on to be our 12th player."
The European championship finals take place between June 12 and July 4 at ten newly built or renovated venues across Portugal.
Filed by Mark O'Neill-Cummins
