Grumpy Figo misses Portugal's celebrations

As Portugal's players and officials celebrated on the pitch after their dramatic Euro 2004 quarter-final win over England on Thursday night, one man was conspicuous by his absence.

Captain Luis Figo slunk off to the dressing room after being replaced by coach Luiz Felipe Scolari for the third game in a row.

He was about to take a corner when the number seven appeared on the substitution board. Figo handed the armband to Nuno Gomes, walked slowly around the touchline, ran the gauntlet of England fans behind the goal and went unhappily down the tunnel.

If the Real Madrid winger is enjoying taking part in the first major tournament to be hosted by his homeland, he is certainly not showing it.

Figo may be smiling in a television advertisement but for the rest of the time he bears the long face of a man who thinks he is carrying the world on his shoulders.

In his only two appearances at news conferences Figo has given monosyllabic answers to nearly every question.

CRITICAL FIGO

Last year, he openly criticised Scolari's decision to bring Brazilian-born midfielder Deco into the team, saying "national anthems can be learned but can't be felt".

Figo insisted his comments were not personal and Scolari, himself a Brazilian, has said the matter is closed.

But the more Figo broods, the more speculation increases that he is still unhappy -- especially as Deco outlasted him on the pitch against England.

Scolari said after Thursday's 6-5 victory over England on penalties that did not seen anything wrong in Figo's conduct.

"I didn't see him walk off the pitch angrily and it's not something I have to bother myself with," said Scolari.

"I'm paid to watch the game and that's what I did. I'm not here to see if a player goes into the dressing room or if he sits on the bench.

"If, at the end, I feel something is wrong I will take action. But they told me that Figo was in the changing room, listening to the penalties and praying."

In the briefest of conversations with the Portuguese media, Figo said: "I'm very happy to be in the semi-finals. I like to be on the pitch but it's the coach who decides. The important thing is to win."

Nevertheless, his attitude was criticised.

"He played well and was always an example to the younger players," said the sports daily Record. "But what we really didn't like, not at all, was the way he walked off the field when he was substituted.

"The team didn't deserve it."