Figo cites Euro-2004 and advises Brazil to win the opener

04/24/2014 - 11h59

A win at all costs in the opening match against Croatia on June 12th. This is the tip from the former Portuguese forward Luis Figo, 41, for Brazil to take advantage of the home factor in the World Cup.

The best player in the world in 2001 recalled the suffering that Portugal went through in the Eurocopa-2004, a tournament that it hosted, because their debut resulted in a loss against Greece.

That Portuguese national team, which was able to recover and went on to become the continental runner-ups, was again defeated by the Greeks in the decision, led by Luiz Felipe Scolari, the current coach of the Brazilian national team.

"You always learn [from defeats]. The first meeting is the most important for the home team. It's preferable to start well because it avoids all that wear and tear and uncertainty with the fans", said the Portuguese player, who came to São Paulo to attend the presentation of the official substitutes for the World Cup.

Despite the warning, Figo noted that Brazil is one of the favorites for the trophy and said he believes that Felipão will know how to mobilize fans in favor of the national team during the World Cup.

"He knows how to use fans in the best possible way. The tendency is that people will help, but this depends on the team. As you are winning, the support gets larger", he added.