The straight-talking Scolari, who led his native country to its fifth World Cup title in 2002, is often accused of imposing a lackluster style of soccer, choosing defense instead of beautiful play. But his teams find ways to win, and the coach's proven record makes him a hot commodity.
Scolari, who guided Portugal to the final at the 2004 European Championship on home soil, is leading the Portuguese at next month's Euro 2008 tournament in Switzerland and Austria.
"If we finish among the top four in Europe again, we will be ratifying what we have already done the previous years at these top competitions," Scolari said.
Thanks to "Big Phil," Portugal has become a top contender and is getting closer to its first major title.
In addition to the runner-up finish to Greece at Euro 2004, Scolari led Portugal to the semifinals at the 2006 World Cup in Germany - its best showing in more than 40 years. Four years earlier, Scolari won the World Cup title with Brazil in South Korea and Japan.
Such success has already prompted top clubs and national teams to seek the coach's services.
England tried to hire him, and even Brazil wanted him back after the team was eliminated in the quarterfinals in Germany. Scolari's contract with the Portuguese federation expires after Euro 2008, and more offers are likely if Portugal has another good showing.
But the pressure on Scolari has also increased, especially after Portugal's struggling campaign in European qualifying. The team barely advanced to the final tournament after a 0-0 draw against visiting Finland in its final match.
"I can handle this (pressure)," Scolari said. "We have to understand that after you reach a certain stage, it's natural people will want more. And fans will want more, too."
Scolari's tactics and team choices in European qualifying were strongly criticized after Portugal won only half its games to finish with a 7-6-1 record. At the time, even Scolari conceded the team would have to improve considerably to have any chance of doing well in Switzerland and Austria.
And Portugal's poor performance quickly led to strained relations with the media.
After the match with Finland, Scolari lost his temper and stormed out of a news conference after being questioned by a reporter.
"What more do you want? We dominated the game ... I'm no good? I'm a bad coach? Why are you tearing me apart?" he asked before walking out. "I'm doing for Portugal what I never did for Brazil, and this is what I get in return?"
The incident came just months after UEFA handed Scolari a two-month suspension for scuffling with Serbia player Ivica Dragutinovic during a match. The coach apparently attempted to throw a punch at the defender.
Scolari had already been widely criticized for a foul-mouthed tirade against reporters in 2004.
Scolari's antics are well-known to Brazilians.
He became an unpopular figure before the 2002 World Cup when he declined to call up striker Romario to the national team. Despite being called stubborn, Scolari resisted a national campaign to see the veteran star in the World Cup.
He also was criticized at the club level for the boring style of his teams, which were rarely known for entertaining play even though they often won titles.
All that criticism was gone after Brazil won the World Cup, however, and he became respected and admired by most of the nation.
At Euro 2008, Portugal will be in Group A with co-host Switzerland, the Czech Republic and Turkey.
Portugal first plays against Turkey on June 7 in Geneva, then faces the Czech Republic on June 11 at the same location, and ends group play three days later against Switzerland in Basel.
Scolari's squad twice faced Turkey when he led Brazil to the 2002 World Cup crown. The Brazilians won 2-1 in the group opener and 1-0 in the semifinals.
Now, Scolari feels it's time for Portugal to finally win a major title and not fall just short once again.
"Everybody expects more," Scolari said. "And so do I."
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