Hosts are feeling the heat

THE stresses and strains of high expectations have begun to show on the Portuguese training camp.

Superstar Luis Figo who as a Real Madrid player has provoked a negative reaction from some Portuguese followers, did not endear himself to all when he expressed ambivalence about the presence of Brazilian-born Deco in the national squad.

His attitude highlighted an issue that rankles just beneath the surface in Portugal where not all of the 10.2m native born Portuguese welcome the presence of so many Brazilians in the country.