Dutch clash is 'kill-kill' - Scolari

He is known to take advice from a psychologist as well as a priest but then again Luiz Felipe Scolari is not your average coach.

Achieving a record 10 straight World Cup victories - seven with Brazil on the way to winning the 2002 tournament and three now with Portugal - set him apart from the rest.

Next up are Holland in Nuremberg in the second phase on Sunday following the defeat of Mexico.

Born and raised in Brazil, Scolari believes if the mind is right the body can benefit and in turn the athlete.

Speaking on the prospect of facing the Dutch, he stated on the Portuguese Football Federation website: "This game is kill-kill.

"Much is decided in a match by the way you prepare for it from a psychological point of view.

"You need to focus the mind in anticipating what could happen.

"It is important to look at where you might make mistakes and try to eradicate them."

Scolari uses psychologist Regina Brandao as a sounding board and phones her regularly in Brazil.

Sometimes that can be every day depending on whether he might have problems or issues to deal with surrounding the national squad.

He also phones a priest back in his home city of Sao Paulo - Padre Pedro - for spiritual advice.

It is said that Scolari makes the sign of a cross and receives a blessing down the line.

From time to time he leaves motivational notes in the players' rooms.

All of this makes the man touted for the England job a special character - and his team look a bit special too.

However Scolari is aware of the threat Holland pose and he admires the progress they are making under coach Marco van Basten.

The Dutch have slipped nicely into gear in the tournament and face Portugal on the back of a goalless draw against Argentina.

Scolari said: "Van Basten deserves our congratulations for the great job he is doing.

"Holland are very well organised and had a marvellous qualifying campaign.

"They are working well in this World Cup and know our characteristics.

"It will be a difficult game for us. I rate our chances at 50-50."