Luis Figo believes Portugal should be “very confident” of winning the Euros. Portugal kick off their campaign against the Czech Republic on Tuesday and Roberto Martinez's men are being backed as potential champions. Figo insists they are one of half a dozen teams who can win the tournament this summer because of their blend of youth and experience.
The Portugal legend, an ambassador for the joint 2030 World Cup bid with Morocco and Spain, said: “Portugal has a strong team, with a good balance between very experienced players and the younger players just starting to establish themselves on an international level. “Like the World Cup, it will come down to small moments, so it’s always difficult to predict, but Portugal are one of five or six teams which go into the tournament very confident they can win it, and why not? 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 through the great work of academies across the country, we have had a consistent pipeline of really talented young players.” Figo, 51, was part of Portugal’s Golden Generation and had an 18-year international career, winning 127 caps for the seniors. Portugal were hosts in 2004 and knocked England out back then and again two years later in the 2006 World Cup.
Figo helped to usher in a new optimism and hope for Portuguese football and now they have an outstanding squad with the likes of Bruno Fern.
