Ireland challenge suits us - Scolari

Portugal coach Luis Felipe Scolari believes a physical Republic of Ireland pose the perfect challenge if his team are to reach the World Cup finals.

Tomorrow’s clash between the sides at Lansdowne Road represents their first meeting since two 1-1 draws in qualification for the 2002 finals in Japan and South Korea.

Scolari knows what to expect from Brian Kerr’s boys after watching Ireland hold world champions Brazil, the team he took to glory two and a half years ago, to a goalless draw last February.

With Portugal due to face Slovakia at the end of next month in their next Group Three encounter, and with their nearest rivals three points adrift and with a game in hand, the man affectionately known as ‘Big Phil’ sees Ireland as the ideal dress rehearsal.

“We have put the disappointment behind us of not winning the European Championship finals last year, and now we have to continue to concentrate on the World Cup,” said Scolari.

“Our most important match is the next one against Slovakia, which means we have to be positive in this match with Ireland who will be a very difficult team to beat.

“You only have to look at their record to see that, and after watching them play Brazil in Dublin last year, I know how hard it will be for us.

“They are improving technically all the time. They always put pressure on you and they are physically strong, not like the Spanish or Italian teams we are used to meeting.

“But we have to get used to that because these are the types of teams we are facing, especially with our next opponents in Slovakia.”

Understandably, despite Paris St Germain striker Pauleta scoring in each of Portugal’s five qualifying games to date, much of the focus is centring on Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo.

Scolari can appreciate the fuss as he is also a big fan, adding: “Every time you watch him and see him play, you know he is a wonderful, exciting player with a great future.”

Scolari, though, did not wax as lyrically about Ireland’s own wing wonder in Chelsea star Damien Duff, merely stating: “He is a very good player.

“But then he plays in a very good team, and the team is always more important than the individual.”

Scolari has selected his strongest possible starting 11 for the game, including two other Chelsea players in Paulo Ferreira and Tiago.