Scolari denies Figo rift

Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari insists there is no rift between him and former FIFA World Player of the Year Luis Figo.

Figo was substituted by Scolari during the Euro 2004 quarter-final victory over England last Thursday and the player’s body language as he was removed made it clear he was not pleased.

But Scolari insisted that he remained a big admirer of the Real Madrid player, who is now the only “Galactico” still playing in Euro 2004.

Scolari said: “When we speak of Figo we are speaking of someone who defends his country and does everything that is in the interest of his country.”

“Big Phil” then asked journalists: “I want to ask you – forget this case which could be destabilising.

"He (Figo) is a national idol. Just because he went out in a car with some friends (the day after the match) does not mean he is in a bad mood.

“I did what was needed to be done at the time to keep the technical and physical level up. He (Figo) was always one of my biggest idols but now I have had the chance to work with him I also admire him a lot as a person.”