Figo predicts goals rush as Portugal eye third-place finish

Published on 07/07/2006 12:56

PORTUGAL skipper Luis Figo has backed 'Big Phil' Scolari's men to end their World Cup goal-drought by hammering host nation Germany in Stuttgart in tomorrow's third-place play-off, writes JAMES SEABOURNE.

Scolari's team completed 287 minutes without scoring a goal as they bowed out in the semi-finals to France. One-time Chelsea midfielder Maniche was the last Portuguese player to score at these championships, netting in the 23rd minute of their second-round tie with Holland. But Figo is predicting a goal-rush as the free-scoring Germans and Portugal go head-to-head for third spot.

"We had a few chances but we just weren't clinical enough," said Figo. "France were not a better side than us in the semis but they took their chances and that's difficult to take. We're sad about the result but this tournament is not over for Portugal. We want to finish as high as possible.

"With the pressure now off us to score goals - I'm sure tomorrow's game will be very attacking - it could be high-scoring."