Big Phil unfazed by Figo sulk

Big PHIL Scolari, the martinet who is seeking to add the European Championship to the World Cuphe won with Brazil two years ago, imperiously swept aside suggestions that he had offended one of the world’s great players when he substituted Luis Figo in the second half of their quarter-final with England in Lisbon.

Scolari was unmoved when questioned about his reasons for replacing Figo with Rui Costa 75 minutes into a tense battle with Portugal a goal behind and fighting desperately to stay in the championship.

Scolari had routinely dealt with the predictable issues ahead of tonight's semi-final against the Netherlands before mention was made of Figo and his apparent anger at being withdrawn.

But Scolari was ready: "Substitutions depend upon the circumstances of the moment," he said. "They depend upon the particular match. I call the substitutes as I see them and that is all, there is no one player more important than the others."

Scolari's willingness to gamble served him well against England. He brought in three attacking players in the final 30 minutes of normal time and withdrew two defenders, Miguel and Costinha, as well as Figo.

But Figo is a legend in Portugal and Scolari would undoubtedly have faced the wrath of the fans if the gamble backfired.

The plain truth however, is that Scolari's substitutions have worked like a dream. Portugal lost to Greece, beat Russia, Spain and England and in the process scored six goals shoot-out goals not counted. An astonishing five of those goals were scored by substitutes, the other was claimed by Maniche against Russia.

Portugal played with such perky aggression after the substitutions against England that Scolari was asked if it was by accident he arrived at his best team with Helder Postiga in as support for Nuno Gomes and Sabrosa Simao sparkling on the wing.

"I think we saw the substitutions work the best against Spain but you cannot say in advance what will work, everything depends upon what is happening on the pitch."

Figo and Couto were also presented to the press corps at Portugal's training base in the magnificent complex of Sporting Lisbon deep in the countryside in Pegoes, south of the city.

It was left to the visiting press representatives to query Figo's apparent pique after his withdrawal. He marched straight down the tunnel into the dressing-room and did not reappear for the penalty shoot-out.

Figo repeatedly skirted the issue by deliberately misinterpreting the questions. He was asked, for instance, why he had left the pitch, a clear inference as to why he did not remain in the dug-out.

He replied: "I left the pitch because my coach had taken me off," and some of the press representatives chose to embarrass the questioner by laughing at Figo's response.

And when asked if he had something to prove next time out he said: "I have nothing to prove because the people know me very well. I just have to give my best in the next game that is the only thing I can do."

Figo seemed happier when dealing with some trivial questions from the British press corps, some of whom are still ranting at referee Urs Meier (Switzerland) for disallowing the 'goal' that Sol Campbell claimed in the final minute of normal time.

It had appeared a legitimate claim at the time but subsequent examination in video replay showed quite clearly John Terry impeded keeper Ricardo as he attempted to reach the ball.

The British were peddling their 'we wuz robbed' stories at yesterday's conference and one of them asked Figo: "Had you sympathy for England and your friend David Beckham and what did you say to him after the match?"

"David is my friend and after the game he went on holidays and I couldn't get in touch with him. I will meet him again on July 16 when we report for pre-season training so all I can do until then is wish him a very good holiday," said Figo.

"As for sympathy for England one of two good teams had to lose and it was better for me and Portugal it was England."