“It gave us the result” - Luis Figo responds when asked why ex-Portugal goalkeeper Ricardo saved penalty against England without gloves at Euro 2004
Luis Figo has looked back on former Portugal goalkeeper Ricardo's heroics against England at Euro 2004. Portugal won the game via penalties (6-5) after the match ended 2-2 at the end of extra time.
He saved Darius Vassell's penalty in the shootout without gloves. Figo has now looked back on the famous match and Ricardo's decision to take the gloves off for the shootout. He told Rio Ferdinand on an episode of UEFA's Inside The Box:
"No gloves. Yes, [it was] Ricardo. He took the gloves off. I don't know if it's because of some superstition or not, but it gave us the results."
The Euro 2004 clash between England and Portugal was an instant classic. Michael Owen drew first blood for the Three Lions in only the third minute of the quarter-final.
Helder Postiga equalized in the 83rd minute of the match. Rui Costa scored belter in extra time (110') before Frank Lampard restored parity (115'). The game approached a shootout where more drama unfolded.
David Beckham, one of the best set-piece specialists in history, missed the first penalty, skying his effort. Deco, Michael Owen, Simao Sabrosa, and Lampard found the back of the net before Rui Costa failed to convert.
John Terry, Cristiano Ronaldo, Owen Hargreaves, Maniche, Ashley Cole, and Postiga scored before Ricardo denied Vassell, that too without gloves. Ricardo then stepped up to take the shot and booked his side a slot in the semi-final.
Portugal went on to lose to Greece in the final of that competition. With players like Figo, Ronaldo, Maniche, Rui Costa, and more, Luiz Felipe Scolari's side had a stellar squad in their ranks.
Luis Figo's Euro record with Portugal
Luis Figo played three Euros with Portugal, in 1996, 2000, and 2004. In 1996, Portugal were knocked out of the quarter-finals, and then in the semi-finals of Euro 2000. They finished runner-ups at Euro 2004.
Figo made 14 appearances at the Euros, scoring twice, including a spectacular goal against England at Euro 2000. He also provided five assists for the Selecaos in the competition.
Overall, Figo had a spectacular career for his country, scoring 32 goals and providing 44 assists in 127 international matches. Alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Eusebio, Figo is one of Portugal's greatest-ever players.