30 June 2006, by Tom Kundert

Figo not ready for retirement just yet

Portugal captain Luis Figo yesterday conceded that every game could be his last for the national side, but is confident his team can overcome England to reach the semi-finals.

“Each game could be by last – I’m not eternal. But we are having a fantastic tournament and our expectations are being met. We’re in the quarter-finals on our own merit. We’re going to continue working hard, respect our opponents and try to win.”

The Inter Milan star emphasised the crucial role played by coach Luiz Filipe Scolari in Portugal’s success over recent years.

“Scolari is an extremely important person for the national team, for everything he has done for Portugal. We are lucky we can continue to work with him, because of his attitude and his qualities.”

When asked to compare Portugal’s performance with the 1966 team that finished in third place in the England World Cup, Figo said the present side also wanted to make history.

“Nothing can erase what the 66 team did for Portugal. They are two different eras. We are proud of our past and now we will try to improve the present of Portuguese football.”

Costinha admission

Meanwhile, Costinha spoke for the first time since the stormy encounter against Holland, in which he was the first of four players to be sent off.

The Atletico Madrid midfielder admitted that the handball that earned a second yellow card was a crass error of judgement. “I really can’t explain it. It happened, that’s football. If there was a hole I could have jumped into I would have.”

“I left my team-mates in a difficult situation whereby they had to work extra hard as there was still a half to play.”

“But I prefer to stress the spectacular way the team, in exceptionally difficult circumstances, managed to unite and maintain the result,” he added.

“It was a bad day for me but ended up a happy one because of the brilliant professionalism shown by all by team-mates.”