Figo fit and ready

Luis Figo shrugged off his poor performance in Portugal’s opening defeat by declaring he is ready to inspire a revival in his country’s fortunes against Poland tomorrow.

Figo and co suffered a shock 3-2 defeat against the United States as they failed to find a way back from going three goals down.

But the FIFA World Footballer of the Year hit back at criticism of the team, saying: ‘‘There are so many big players who have won nothing at the World Cup, but nobody died.

‘‘I am fit and I am here to play. I have no problems and if the coach puts me on the field I will play.’’

Like Portugal, Poland were surprisingly beaten in the first game, this time 2-0 by co-hosts South Korea, making tomorrow’s clash in Jeonju even more crucial to both sides’ hopes.

Defender Fernando Couto called on his team-mates to pull together to avoid an embarrassing early exit for the Euro 2000 semi-finalists.

‘‘We never expected to be in this situation, but we have to win our second match and that is what is important,’’ he said.

‘‘We have to play as a team, as a brotherhood maybe. There are many important matches in such a short period and there is no time for mistakes.’’

And coach Antonio Oliveira is aware of the threat from the Poles, who were considered dark horses for the tournament before a dramatic loss of form in the build-up.

‘‘All we know is that Poland are a strong team and they have strong players,’’ he said.

‘‘You can’t talk about weak or strong points about them, or about any other team at the World Cup for that matter.

‘‘Like us, they were not expected to lose their first match so tomorrow is a must win for both teams.’’

Poland defender Michal Zewlakow is worried that Portugal will feel they have a point to prove tomorrow, like themselves.

‘‘They will be eager to show the real Portugal against us,’’ he said.

‘‘But we are also keen to show the true face of Polish football.’’

Coach Jerzy Engel added: ‘‘Whoever loses can start packing their boots and prepare to go home.

‘‘A draw is not so bad, although I don’t think the Portuguese will be happy with a draw.’’