Two years ago, Luiz Felipe Scolari produced one of football's great turnarounds by leading his native Brazil to an unprecedented fifth World Cup success in South Korea and Japan.

Although the actors and the setting are different, the script is remarkably similar as Scolari attempts a repeat performance with hosts Portugal at Euro 2004.

They go into the tournament with a talented group of players but few people really believe they can win the title.

Their shock first-round exit at the World Cup two years ago still haunts the players and an unimpressive run of results in home friendlies has hardly provided a confidence booster.

But the transformation Scolari performed with his own country's national team suggests that anyone writing off the Portuguese will do so at their peril.

Known in his homeland as Felipao, or Big Phil, Scolari took charge of Brazil in June 2001 with the South Americans in danger of failing to qualify for the World Cup for the first time.

The team were in disarray, Ronaldo was still troubled by injuries and Scolari was questioned by many for a win-at-all costs approach dubbed 'Bullyboy football' by harsher critics.

Undeterred, Scolari gambled on Ronaldo's fitness, rebuilt team spirit and, one year later, led Brazil through a campaign in which they won all seven of their matches.

BAIA EXCLUSION

Scolari -- who previously won South America's Libertadores Cup with Gremio and Palmeiras -- has now gone for the same approach with Portugal.

Once again, he has not been afraid to make controversial team selections and his refusal to pick Porto goalkeeper Vitor Baia is remarkably similar to his conviction that Brazil did not need veteran striker Romario at the 2002 World Cup.

But the coach has already won over public opinion and his players with his unwavering dedication to the cause.

Although famed for an explosive temper and his so-called Sergeant Major approach to discipline, Scolari has few equals when it comes to winning the loyalty of his players and creating a harmonious atmosphere.

"When everyone is rowing in the same direction, it makes things much easier," said defender Rui Jorge on Thursday.

"It's always important that everyone is on the same side. I think there's more confidence and less friction than before."

Scolari's conduct in this week's Benfica affair -- when he responded to speculation he had agreed terms with the Lisbon club by announcing he would not join them in any circumstances -- was seen as a rare and exemplary attitude in the modern game.

"When the example comes from the top, when the coach is prepared to sacrifice his future for the good of the group, then nobody can be indifferent," said Rui Jorge.

"We've always been united but I think that now we're better in this aspect, and that could be the small thing we need to make a difference."

(Additional reporting by Carlos Pontes)