Scolari - criticised for defensive tactics (Allsport)

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The storm of vitriol which engulfed Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari last season for emphasising defensive tactics has abated.

And unless there is a belated transformation in Brazil's World Cup style this summer, the criticism is unlikely to resurface.

'Big Phil' must have just been testing the waters.

No one will be hammering away at the 53-year-old Scolari now that he has guided Brazil into the last four of the World Cup, a passage that was confirmed with a 2-1 triumph here today over England.

Scolari's Brazilians are playing like their universally adored predecessors - with a flamboyance that is utterly irresistible.

Hence the 15 goals they have amassed in just five games during this tournament.

Such was Ronaldinho's dancing run from the half-way line to set up Rivaldo's equaliser in first half injury time, the sublime Pele himself must have been thinking that he was watching old films of himself.

Brazil, defensive?

Never!

Well, today's momentous events certainly shattered that myth.

Even reduced to 10 men, the Brazilians still erected a defensive barrier that proved impregnable.

But Scolari isn't gloating.

"I have the feeling of a job well done, the feeling of giving people the trust to believe in what we are doing," he said.

When he was focusing on Brazil's defensive frailties during their South American qualifying campaign, it has to be said that he did not always have his Europeanised stars.

Now, having reached the semi-finals in Japan and Korea must be the most gratifying moment of his football career ... so far.

Like many famous coaches, Scolari was only a modest player, a defender for sides with eminently forgettable names like Aymore, Caxias, Novo Hamburgo, Juventude and CSA.

He was never picked to play for his country but he could probably coach virtually any country that took his fancy.

Not only has he coached the Cruzeiro, his cv includes victory in the Copa Libertadores with Gremio in 1995 and with Palmeiras in 1999.

Scolari replaced Emerson Leco when Brazil fans recognised a "firm hand" was needed to counter what appeared to be a lack of discipline in the squad.

He walked out on Gremio and took the national team reins. And, in what turned out to be a painful experience for Brazil, he radically changed the team's style of play with a greater emphasis on defending.

Brazil are undoubtedly the Brazil of old, but Scolari surely must receive due plaudits for improving their defence.

Aside from Lucio's mistake which allowed Michael Owen to move into scoring position and shoot past goalkeeper Marcos, Brazil were again solid today.

"Being where we are now gives me a feeling of personal satisfaction," said Scolari.

In the semi-final, Brazil will take on the winners of tomorrow's clash between Turkey and Senegal.

Typically, with his eye on the bigger picture, Scolari has urged his countrymen and women to take inspiration from their heroes to improve their own lot.

"My last word to the people of Brazil is that we can do more," he said.

"Not just through football, but as a whole nation we can do more."