For football legend Eusebio this summer’s Euro 2004 tournament in Portugal has a very special meaning. The country will be using the competition as a great opportunity to show off its capabilities and the rest of world will enjoy the occasion — which only happens every four years — of watching the stars of European football in action.For Eusebio, proud Portuguese and one of the best players in the history of the game, it is all this and more. ‘‘I never imagined that Portugal would be able to organise a European Cup,’’ Eusebio says. The possibility of Portugal hosting a major tournament when the ‘Black Pearl’ as he is known, was playing in the 1960s would have been unthinkable. ‘‘It was unimaginable, inconceivable,’’ reiterates Eusebio, shaking his head. It is 30 years now since he retired but he has never stopped being involved in the game — as honorary ambassador for Benfica, his club, and for the Portuguese national team, his passion. This involvement with the sport allows him to analyse the forthcoming championships from a privileged vantage point. ‘‘Although the last 16 teams are all strong, France is the strongest team, they were world and European champions. With their quality and players, they have all the required conditions to emerge winners.’’ But Spain, Holland and the Czech Republic also count as favourites for Eusebio. Funnily enough, he does not mention Portugal off the the top of his head. ‘‘They have the possibilities, but much will depend on how things go in the first match against Greece. We could win, but we will need the support of the fans to be able to do this.’’ Eusebio, exuding tranquillity, is not afraid that Figo will dethrone him as Portugal’s footballing idol. ‘‘It is a different situation. I was born into another era of football, he [was born] into the football of today.’’ This having been said, Figo achieved something which Eusebio never did: To play for Real Madrid. ‘‘The political problems at that time in Portgual and the fact that I was born in Africa hindered me from signing for Real Madrid. For me, as a follower of Real Madrid, I hope that Figo will be able to finish his career there.”
