End Scolari Era

When Germany defeated Portugal in the quarterfinals of Euro2008, Luiz Felipe Scolari ended his six years in charge of Portugal without a trophy. Still, he remains an esteemed figure in the country.

The Luiz Felipe Scolari era ended without a major title for Portugal after he failed to lead his team past Germay in the quarterfinals of the European Championship, losing 3-2 in his final match in command.

Scolari announced he will join Chelsea after Euro2008, but he was hoping to extend his stint with Portugal for at least another two matches and win a championship.

"Im'm frustrated right now," Scolari told The Times.

Frustrated for not being able to achieve my goal. The coach should be held responsible in a time like this."

Scolari leaves without being able to give the Portuguese their first major title despite quickly developing the team into a top contender in European football since arriving more than five years ago.

"I did my best, like always," Scolari said. "I did what I could and the players did the same."

When defender Pepe missed a chance to equalize with a close range header in the 57th minute, he lifted his hand to his face in desperation. After Germany's third goal, Scolari kept trying to get the fourth official to look at the big screen to watch the replay showing that German captain Micael Ballack pushed left back Paulo Ferreira before heading in the ball.

He yelled loudly," Come on, come on" from the sidelines after striker Helder Postiga scored with a header in the 87th minute to give his team some late hope. But his cheers were not enough.

After the match, he gazed in disbelief as he shook hands with his players and the opponents. As Brazil's coach in the 2002 World Cup, Scolari helped his team beat the Germans 2-0 in the final. Despite the defeat, the straight-talking coach is likely to be missed in Portugal. He arrived after leading his native country to that World Cup title, transforming a group of talented Portuguese players into a competitive team.