Figo: We had a chance to win the World Cup in 2006

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06:00

Former Portuguese football legend Luis Figo was the fulcrum of his country's "Golden generation" in world football and is often regarded as one of the greatest players of all time.

In a freewheeling interview with CGTN's Mike Fox, Figo spoke at length on his favorites for the upcoming World Cup and made a SWOT analysis of various teams, as well as the possible stars of next month’s tournament.

He captained his side in the World Cup and knows what it takes to lead a team at the biggest event in world football. "You not only try to do your best but also try to guide your teammates, and motivate yourself as well as your teammates. That is most important," said Figo about his time with Portugal in the 2006 World Cup and guiding his side to the semi-finals.

Incidentally, that was the European country’s best World Cup performance since the Eusebio-era of the 1960s.

Current European champions Portugal had a jittery qualifying campaign and will start as one of the favorites due to a talismanic Cristiano Ronaldo in his prime, leading the side into the tournament in Russia.

Zinedine Zidane is hugged by Luis Figo, following France's 1-0 victory during the FIFA World Cup Germany 2006 semi-final match between Portugal and France in Munich. /VCG Photo

While commenting on his side’s prospects in Russia, Figo mentioned, "Since the day you qualify, you have higher expectations and hopes. Of course, World Cup is totally different from the Euro as you compete with different cultures and styles of football. You play an extra round to reach the final. I think after their Euro win in 2016, Portugal want to continue with this level and will do their best in the World Cup."

He, however, cautioned that "We have a difficult group or the group of death, I think. Therefore, you have to go step by step."

"You can’t compare between generations and players because each of us is a different human being. It's impossible to compare since there are so many aspects of the game," the legendary footballer replied while being compared with the current generation of Portuguese players with his "Golden generation."

A generation that failed to win a single piece of silverware. "We had a chance but we failed to win," he remarked.