Portugal legend Luis Figo backs Cristiano Ronaldo and Co to win Euro 2024… after they made a winning start to their campaign in dramatic fashion

Roberto Martinez’s side scored a last-gasp winner to get their campaign off to a winning start against the Czech Republic on Tuesday night, with Francisco Conceicao scoring a late winner for the Portuguese.

And iconic attacker Figo believes Portugal can become European champions here in Germany, saying: ‘I think Portugal has a strong team at the moment, with a good balance between very experienced players and the younger players just starting to establish themselves on an international level.

‘Like the FIFA World Cup, it will come down to small moments, so it’s always difficult to predict, but Portugal are one of five or six teams which will go into the tournament very confident they can win it, and why not? I’m really excited to see how far they can go.’

On his own distinguished international career, Figo added: ‘There is nothing quite like representing your country on an international stage. I never took for granted the honour of putting on the Portugal jersey.

Francisco Conceicao lashed in Portugal’s winning goal in the second minute of additional time

The 21-year-old’s first international goal sparked jubilant scenes among the Portugal players

Portugal legend Luis Figo has backed his nation to go all the way after their winning start

‘My experience started with the national team from young, when we were very successful, winning the U16 European Championship and FIFA U20 World Championships. It really felt like a breakthrough moment for football in Portugal.

‘Every match was special and an opportunity to defend the colours of my country, but of course the major championships, the European Championships and the FIFA World Cup, hold a special significance.

‘I was fortunate enough to play in three European Championships and two World Cups, each one a unique occasion that will stay with me forever.’

Figo, who played for Barcelona and Real Madrid, is ambassador for the combined Morocco, Portugal and Spain bid to host World Cup 2030 and added: ‘Having been through the experience of playing in a home European Championship and having lived for so long in Portugal and Spain, I can only imagine the potential of the World Cup 2030.

‘Portugal, Spain and Morocco are countries with football at their heart. You read it in the news, you see it in the street.

It is part of life. And this means that everyone will have their chance to be involved and benefit directly.

Roberto Martinez side will be looking to confirm their place in the knockouts on Saturday

‘In Portugal, hosting the FIFA World Cup 2030 will bring the country together like never before. I believe that we will see Portuguese people of all ages, and all backgrounds, come together like never before, to deliver a truly incredible event.

‘It will of course be a great opportunity to showcase Portugal to the world, and I’m excited about the potential to highlight all regions of our beautiful country.’