Scolari accepts Portugal job

Thursday November 28, 2002

LISBON, Portugal (AP) World Cup-winning coach Luiz Felipe Scolari agreed to coach Portugal through the 2004 European Championships.

Scolari, who guided Brazil to its fifth world title this summer, will sign an 18-month contract which takes effect Jan. 1, Portugal's soccer federation said on its Web site Thursday.

The Brazilian's first game is expected to be an exhibition Feb. 12. The opponent hasn't been announced.

As the host, Portugal automatically qualifies for the next European tournament.

(Copyright 2002 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)