Date of birth: 9 November 1948

Nationality: Brazilian

Playing career: SER Caxias, EC Juventude, EC Novo Hamburgo, SC Corinthians

Coaching career: Centro Sportivo Alagoano, EC Juventude (twice), Brasil de Pelotas (twice), Al-Shabab, Grêmio Foot-ball Porto Alegrense (twice), Goiás SC, Qadsia Sports Club (twice), Kuwait, Criciúma EC, Al-Ahli, Júbilo Iwata, SE Palmeiras, Cruzeiro EC, Brazil, Portugal

The stage seemed set for the Brazilian to lead the Portuguese to glory on home soil when they breezed into the final of UEFA EURO 2004^TM but, just as they had done in the opening game of the finals, Greece spoiled the party by winning 1-0. Four years on, Portugal will return to the continental finals having finished second behind Poland in Group A. The UEFA EURO 2004^TM runners-up performed impressively at the 2006 FIFA World Cup, seeing off the Netherlands and England before losing 1-0 to France in the semi-finals. It was the country's best showing since 1966 and Scolari agreed a new two-year deal shortly after. It took a change to coaching in 1982 for Scolari to make an impact at the highest level. His reputation was established when he won the Copa Libertadores with Grêmio Foot-ball Porto Alegrense in 1995 and SE Palmeiras four years later.

His aggressive style was not such a big hit with the Brazilian public after he took charge of the national team. Indeed, after barely squeezing through qualifying for the 2002 FIFA World Cup, his promise that Brazil would reach the semi-finals was greeted with derision. However, he was to prove true to his word and more as, despite leaving out Romário, a side featuring Ronaldo, Ronaldinho and Rivaldo overcame Germany in the final in Japan.

After the elimination of Portugal in UEFA EURO 2008 quarter-finals, Scolari is heading to London to coach Chelsea! After Mourinho, another portuguese speaking coaching is trying once more giving Roman Abramovich his dream: Winning the Champions League.