Matt Oldfield - Figo (Classic Football Heroes--Limited International Edition)

World Cup 2006, Germany, 5 July 2006
Growing up in Portugals Golden Generation with Rui Costa and Joo Pinto, Lus had always dreamed of World Cup glory. They won the Under-17 Euros and then the Under-20 World Cup, but could they go on and win the real thing? The nation had great expectations Portugal had never won the World Cup, not even in the golden days of The King, Eusbio.

Was this Portugals best chance? Forty years after Eusbio, Portugal had another chance they were back in the semi-finals again with Lus and his teammates. They were one huge match away from the World Cup Final. Of his Golden Generation, Lus was the last man standing. He was now his countrys experienced captain and his job was to guide Portugals new generation to victory. This was his last tournament, his last try, and he wanted to go out with a bang.

At club level, with Barcelona, Real Madrid and Inter Milan, he had won everything the Spanish League, the Italian League and the Champions League. He had even won the Ballon dOr, footballs greatest individual prize. But for his country? A Euro 2004 runners-up medal was all he had to show for fifteen years of dedication. Lus couldnt bear to end his international career empty-handed.

Come on! he shouted in the tunnel, looking back at his teammates, Pauleta, Deco, Maniche and Cristiano Ronaldo.

With top talent like those players, Lus knew that Portugal were good enough to win. It wouldnt be easy, however, especially against a team like France.

Are you ready for this? a voice asked him.

It was his old Real Madrid teammate, Zinedine Zidane. Lus was the captain of Portugal and Zinedine was the captain of France. Two of the worlds greatest footballers were about to do battle for the last time. In the Euro 2000 semi-final, Zinedine had come out on top, but Lus would do everything possible to stop that from happening again.

You bet, Zizou! he replied, leaning over to hug his friend.

After the national anthems, the players moved into their positions for kick-off. There was nothing left to say. Lus had already delivered his message in the dressing room: Lets show the world that weve learnt our lessons from Euro 2000 and 2004. I want cool, calm heads all over the pitch. Yes?

Yes! his teammates boomed back.

We belong at this level!

Portugal started well. Frances goalkeeper Fabien Barthez had to make good saves to stop Deco and Maniche.

Thats it! Lus clapped encouragingly. Keep this up, guys!

When he got the ball from Miguel, it was Luss turn to attack. He dribbled forward at speed, always looking around for a clever pass. As Patrick Vieira rushed over to tackle him, Lus decided to shoot. The Portugal fans shuffled in their seats, ready to celebrate. It was a decent effort but not good enough to beat Barthez.

Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! the fans groaned in disappointment.

At the other end, Florent Malouda passed to Thierry Henry. As Henry turned on the edge of the box, Ricardo Carvalho slipped and tripped him. Penalty!

Not again! Lus thought to himself.

France had also won the match at Euro 2000 with a penalty. Six years later, Zinedine was about to step up to the spot once more. Like Lus, Zinedine never felt the pressure. 10 to France!

Dont panic! Lus urged his teammates. Weve got plenty of time.

That time, however, raced by and there was no equaliser for Portugal. Lus passed to Pauleta, who shot just wide. Cristianos free kick swerved through the air and Barthez spilled it. Lus was there in the penalty area and the ball was coming straight towards him. He leapt up high, but he couldnt keep his header down. It landed on the roof of the net.

Noooo! Lus cried out with his arms covering his head.

Noooo! Cristiano screamed up at the sky.

Lus didnt give up. He kept trying to create chances until the referee blew that dreaded final whistle. Portugal 0 France 1.

It was over. Luss World Cup adventures were over. He had done his best to lead Portugal to glory but, in the end, his best just wasnt enough. Lus felt crushed. In that awful moment, it was easy to forget just how far Portugal had come since his international debut in 1991 from nowhere, all the way to the World Cup semi-final.

Lus walked around the pitch, thanking the fans for all their support. They knew that he had given everything for his country. Lus was a national hero, the Pride of Portugal. Thats why they chanted his name.

Figo! Figo! Figo!

Its your turn now, he told his protg, Cristiano. Its your turn to be Portugals leader. Do what I couldnt quite do win the World Cup!

That had been Luss dream ever since his early days in Almada.