Beckham, excellent as he is, never pulls the strings for England like Rui Costa did for Portugal. It was the goal of a champion, someone instilling belief into a gifted team which has too often failed to show the mettle to go with their magic and it also summed up the almost criminal naivety of England's subsequent approach after their bright start. A simple ball from Rui Costa allowed Figo to look up, find oceans of space through a midfield bereft of white shirts and maraud some 25-30 yards quite unattended as the back four retreated. What an invitation. By the time he had proved why from 30 yards, it was too late.
Great players can alter the course of a game.
Figo's audacious brilliance brought to mind that night at Stamford Bridge in the Champions' League when, three down to Chelsea and floundering, he almost single-handedly resurrected Barcelona in the second half to keep them in the tie. From that point on, class told. Portugal strung together 15 passes, most of them going through Rui Costa, as they patiently sought out an opening for the second, obviously lulling Sol Campbell into reverie. Then, a cobra's strike. A pinpoint cross whipped in for Joao Pinto to steal in and head home in front of the Spurs man.