Portugal, the 2016 European champions, begin their latest campaign against the Czech Republic in Leipzig on Tuesday and one of their most iconic former players has spoken about their chances.
Luis Figo believes Portugal should be “very confident” of winning the Euros.
Portugal open their league season against the Czech Republic on Tuesday and Roberto Martinez’s side are seen as favourites to win the title, with Figo insisting his mix of youth and experience makes him one of six teams capable of winning the tournament this summer.
“Portugal have a strong team with a good balance of experienced players and young players who are just starting to establish themselves at international level,” said the Portugal legend, who is an ambassador for the 2030 World Cup joint hosting campaign with Morocco and Spain.
“Like the World Cup, it’s always difficult to predict because small moments can determine the outcome, but Portugal are one of five or six teams that go into the tournament confident of winning. There’s no reason why they can’t win. I’m really excited to see how far they can go.”
“Portuguese football has a bright future. The current generation of players is incredibly talented and with the great work of our academies across the country we are continually producing some really talented young players.”
Figo, 51, was part of Portugal’s golden generation and played 18 years for the country, earning 127 caps for the national team. Portugal hosted the World Cup in 2004 and beat England both then and two years later in 2006.
Figo has brought new optimism and hope to Portuguese football and the team now has a fantastic squad featuring such fine players as Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Joao Felix, Pedro Neto, Joao Parinha and of course Cristiano Ronaldo. Former Real Madrid star Figo said playing for Portugal was the highlight of his career and is convinced the current crop of players feel the same pride.
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“There’s nothing better than representing your country on the international stage and I’ve never taken the honour of wearing the Portugal shirt for granted,” Figo said.
“My experience started at a young age with the national team and had great success, winning the U-16 European Championship and the FIFA U-20 World Championship. I felt it was a real landmark moment for Portuguese football. Every match was special, an opportunity to defend the national colours, but of course the European Championships and World Cups have a special meaning.”
“I’ve been fortunate enough to play in three European Championships and two World Cups, and each one is a special experience that I’ll never forget.”
Figo says Portugal’s hosting of Euros in 2004 was a career highlight and is one of the reasons why they are bidding jointly with Spain and Morocco for the tournament in 2030. FIFA announced Portugal as the only candidate nation last year but the country is still working out its plans and Figo insists it will be a memorable tournament.
Figo said: “It was a special moment in my career. Playing in front of my home crowd in such an important tournament is an unforgettable feeling. I felt it was a great honour to represent 11 million people and at the same time promote my country to the world as the host nation.”
“International championships are built around small differences, small moments – maybe that’s why it’s the greatest football event in the world. In Portugal, hosting the World Cup in 2030 will unite the country like never before. I think we will see Portuguese people of all ages and backgrounds come together to put on a really amazing event.”
“Of course, it will be a fantastic opportunity to showcase Portugal to the world and we are excited about the possibility of showcasing all the regions of our beautiful country.”
* Figo spoke in his capacity as ambassador for the Morocco, Portugal and Spain bid to host the FIFA 2030 World Cup.
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