Portugal can win Euro 2004, says Roberto Carlos

Hosts Portugal can win the 2004 European Championship under new coach Luiz Felipe Scolari, Brazilian World Cup-winning full back Roberto Carlos said on Wednesday.

As Brazil coach, Scolari took a side in danger of not qualifying for the 2002 World Cup finals to victory in Japan last year.

"I therefore believe he will do the same for the Portuguese team, so as to enter Portuguese history," Roberto Carlos said in an interview with O Jogo.

"I believe very much (in a Portuguese victory), because I know very well what Portuguese players are worth and I know how Luiz Felipe Scolari works," the Real Madrid player added.

Scolari -- known as 'Big Phil' to Brazilians -- took over as Portugal coach at the start of the year. His main task will be to transform a side which had a disastrous World Cup campaign after starting among the favourites.

Portugal suffered a shock first-round exit after losses to the United States and co-hosts South Korea..

"Above all, Portugal already has a team set-up, which might change one player or another, but what it really needed was a coach with a different and stronger personality," Roberto Carlos said.

"Big Phil's working practices will now make Portugal, who normally play entertaining football, understand that they can be European champions."

Roberto Carlos added that he had already discussed Scolari's coaching methods with his Real team mate and Portuguese midfielder Luis Figo.

"I told him that he (Scolari) is a tough taskmaster when he's working but a great friend of the players. I am absolutely certain that Figo will be Big Phil's key for Portugal being able to become European champions," he said.