By sportswriter Ge Hua

    LISBON, June 12 (Xinhua) -- Hosts Portugal led by Luiz Felipe Scolari are to kick off the Euro 2004 finals against Greece at theEstadio do Dragao in Porto at 1700 p.m. on Saturday.

    Portuguese fans would set their heart rest and dive into the great soccer gala as the Brazilian Scolari's plans on the field look like a concrete.

    Scolari, nicknamed "Big Phil" with a successful experience of leading Brazil into the final triumph in 2002 World Cup, was seeking to become the first non-native head coach to win the European Championships.

    In the build up to Euro 2004, the home side has been the subject of intense domestic media speculation, the majority questioning whether the hosts have the ability to win the tournament outright.

    With Luis Figo, Rui Costa and Fernando Couto all participating in their last championships, the golden generation of Portuguese football has never been better equipped to deliver a parting gift.

    Scolari is likely to adopt a 4-2-3-1 formation, omitting playmaker Deco, preferring Milan's Rui Costa behind the lone striker Pauleta. Ricardo will play in goal with Paulo Ferreira andRui Jorge the two full-backs. Fernando Couto will partner Jorge Andrade in the center of defense, with Maniche joining Costinha incentral midfield and Lus Figo and Sim?o Sabrosa on the wings.

    "Greece show great defensive consistency, with two solid lines behind the ball," Scolari said when asked about his selection. "Maniche has more to give as an effective offensive presence, including long-range passing and shots on goal."

    The last time Portugal and Greece met was in November, when thescore ended 1-1. The Greeks formation today in Porto is likely to be the same as that day, a conventional 4-4-2, relying heavily on the attacking threats of Vassilis Tsiartas of AEK Athens and DemisNikoladis of Athletico Madrid, who has shrugged of muscle pains and should start.

    The Greeks only worry is full-back Traians Dellas, and should the defender not recover from a muscle injury in his leg, Nikos Dabizas will deputize in central defense.

    Without accident the Portuguese should overcome their rivals and top Group A ahead of Spain's clash with Russia. Enditem