Figo and Pauleta both bowing out

Figo, 33, bowed out after winning his 127th cap - a record for Portugal - as a substitute in Stuttgart.

"It is hard for me to end my international career in this way. I did everything I could and the team gave their all," said Figo.

Pauleta played 88 times for Portugal, scoring 47 goals.

"This is the saddest day of my career. Playing for this team, scoring for this team was what I most loved doing but my time has come," said the 33-year-old Paris St Germain forward.

At the final whistle Figo was in tears after 15 years of international service came to an end.

Portuguese Prime Minister Jose Socrates, who attended the match, said Figo had been "a great captain".

"This squad had in Luis Figo a great leader on the pitch," he told Portugal's SIC television.

He has been arguably Portugal's finest player since the great Eusebio who top-scored at the 1966 World Cup with nine goals.

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