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Q & A: Portugal coach Antonio Oliveira
Posted: Tuesday April 23, 2002 6:06 PM
What
do you think of the draw?
Let's just say that Group D presents us with a fair chance. Poland
are a very strong side who have been rejuvenated, while the USA
and the Koreans will present us with their own problems. We won't
be playing until June 5, which I like, and I am also happy that
all our games will be played in South Korea.
Who
are your key players?
Luis Figo is exceptional. He is what Eusebio was, decades before.
But I also love the way Rui Costa plays. Special attention must
be given to the central defenders, Jorge Costa and Fernando Couto.
Another player who will catch the attention is Nuno Gomes. Then
we could mention the likes of Joao Pinto, Sergio Conceicao, Abel
Xavier...
Who
will be the surprises?
They could be South Korea, who have great speed and have shown good
organization. Their world ranking doesn't matter because they will
be playing at home.
Will
the conditions affect you?
We will use experts to prepare for all unusual or adverse conditions.
No one will ever win the World Cup if they have not adapted to the
conditions. If all our players are OK physically and psychologically,
we can beat anyone.
Who
will win the World Cup?
All my thoughts are centered on June 5, 10 and 14, our Group D games.
People keep saying that Portugal are among the favorites. We can
dream -- nobody can take that away from us -- but the history of Portuguese
football tells us to be careful. One of the most advanced football
nations may win -- Argentina, Brazil, Spain, Germany, England, Italy
and, perhaps, us.
What's
happening with Jorge Costa?
I was very concerned when he was not playing for FC Porto. But he
has been playing regularly at Charlton and his form has improved.
Many of our players play in foreign countries. They acquire experience,
and the value of that experience from France, Italy, Spain and England
is enormous for us.
Will
you be coach for Euro 2004?
My commitment with the Portuguese FA is on paper -- up to Euro 2004.
But I have told the football authorities that a number of important
measures must be implemented. We do need a training center for the
national team.
Did
you always believe that you would qualify for this World Cup?
We were the best team in the group, but the pressure was unbelievable.
After the game against Estonia in Tallinn, I discovered I had lost
more than 3kg without having done any exercise!
Are
you happy that the players who were suspended following the Euro
2000 semi-final defeat are available?
Nuno Gomes, Abel Xavier and Paulo Bento are now back from suspension
and they have all been part of recent squads. Nobody can say that
they have been ignored or not given a chance.
Will
you play with one or two strikers?
Of course, I would like to play with two strikers or even more.
But the Portuguese team is not structured for such schemes. Because
with people like Figo, Rui Costa, Joao Pinto and Sergio Conceicao
playing in midfield, there simply is no vacancy for a second striker.
From World Soccer magazine.
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