Figo in Scolari's shadow

By Phil McNulty
Our man in Portugal

Figo rejects Beckham claim

Luis Figo - the sporting icon of Portugal and one of the surviving members of their "Golden Generation" of footballers - currently has more than Real Madrid in common with his close friend David Beckham.

Figo, for years the great untouchable of Portugal's national side, is suddenly in the same unforgiving spotlight that shone on Beckham after England's Euro 2004 exit.

The veteran star's sin was to walk straight to the dressing room after being substituted by coach Luiz Felipe Scolari when Portugal were a goal behind against England.

Figo revealed he had not spoken to his Bernabeu team-mate Beckham since the drama at the Stadium of Light on Thursday - but may have felt like giving him a call after a gruelling examination of his reputation.

I know Portugal have never had as much success as they have had with me Portugal captain Luis Figo

While Scolari's bold move and subsequent victory elevated him to the status of a national hero, Figo's behaviour stunned an adoring nation and cast him in the role of villain.

All was sweetness and light as the pair separately discussed Portugal's semi-final against Holland on Wednesday, but it was clear the scars still linger from Figo's unscheduled disappearance down the tunnel.

Talk of a rift between the pair has blown over in the joy of victory, but Figo was facing the sort of searching questions that pushed Beckham close to breaking point in the aftermath of England's defeat.

While Gene Hackman lookalike Scolari bristled with the usual defiance, eccentric expressions and even found time to swat flies during his typically flamboyant press briefing, the golden boy was on the defensive.

Match preview: Portugal v Holland

Figo is a courteous, low-key figure whose demeanour belies his superstar status, showing the modesty that makes him a national hero.

But Figo's previously impenetrable armour has been pierced by the disappointment of those who felt he should have joined his team-mates for the final rites of the thrilling encounter with England.

Figo was quizzed repeatedly about his premature departure, and was keen to avoid any comments that would put him at odds with the now hugely-popular Scolari.

Scolari jumped to Figo's defence, but he said: "I don't have to be defended. I didn't commit a crime. What Scolari said is his opinion - I don't have to be defended.

"I can't make everybody like me, but I know Portugal have never had as much success as they have had with me.

"If people are attacking me I can handle it, as long as they are not attacking the rest of the Portuguese squad."

Profile of Scolari and the other coaches left in Euro 2004

Figo eventually grew tired of the inquisition and was rescued by Portugal's interpreter, but if he was in any doubt that his reputation had been damaged, it would have been removed by the time he left the squad's training camp 30 minutes' drive outside the centre of Lisbon.

Scolari, for his part, was the usual mix of showman, mischief-maker and soccer stragetist that gives him the opportunity to add Euro 2004 to the World Cup he won with his native Brazil in Japan two years ago.

Every question is initially treated as if it is a potential explosive, but after a grimace and a shrug of the shoulders, he embarks on seemingly never-ending replies.

If the antithesis of Sven-Goran Eriksson had been invented, it would have come in the shape of Luiz Felipe Scolari.

Scolari flicked away questions about England's defensive strategy and was in buoyant mood about his brave substitutions and removal of Figo, a contrast to the caution of Eriksson, who would seemingly never contemplate the substitution of Beckham.

He refused to condemn Eriksson or his tactics, saying: "I see too many people who have won nothing spending their life talking about my job. I am not going to talk about the jobs of others."

And he added: "I make substitutions not on who the player is, but what I see on the field. Portugal has 23 players who are all useful, if I need to use them I will."

With that Scolari, whose act has become cult viewing to the foreign media, held both his arms aloft and waved an extravagant goodbye to the assembled.

Figo, in contrast, has much making up to do with the people of Portugal against Holland in Lisbon's Alvalade Stadium on Wednesday.