Beckham relishing physical game against Portugal but wary of Figo

By George Burns Jun 29, 2006, 14:57 GMT

Baden-Baden - David Beckham said Thursday that he was relishing a physical challenge against Portugal in Saturday's World Cup quarter-final clash between the sides.

However, the Real Madrid midfielder admitted he was worried about the talents of former team-mate Luis Figo.

'We love physical games. We love games that are high tempo and tackles flying in. If it's like that we'll enjoy that,' said the England captain at his team's training camp in Buehlertal near Baden- Baden.

Beckham said he wasn't thinking about revenge for his side's elimination by Portugal at the same stage of Euro 2004 or about coach Luiz Felipe Scolari who knocked England out of the 2002 World Cup while in charge of Brazil.

'I think for every one of us it would mean the world to go further than we have in competition before,' he said. 'It's not a personal battle against Portugal or Scolari. Scolari has got an amazing record. He's a great manager and a great person but we're very relaxed going into this game and we're looking forward to it.'

With Deco and Costinha both suspended after picking up red cards in the defeat of the Netherlands, Portuguese hopes rest more firmly on Figo than ever and Beckham admitted he was concerned about the last remaining member of Portugal's so-called 'Golden Generation' that twice lifted the Youth World Cup.

'Luis is one of the best players in the world. He has been for many years,' said Beckham.

'He could cause problems to any team and any defence. He's one of those players that you always have to watch.'

The 31-year-old admitted that this could be his last chance for World Cup glory and that England had a golden opportunity.

'These occasions don't come around very often,' he said. 'Quarter- finals against Portugal in Germany. (The World Cup) in Europe is very good for European teams and hopefully it will be very good for us.'

There has been heavy criticism of England's performances at this World Cup with FIFA president Joseph Blatter commenting on the issue but Beckham remains confident his side can finally put in a display everyone will be proud of.

'I think that it's important that we play well. We always go into games wanting to play well but it hasn't happened,' he said.

'We haven't played well yet but we're in the quarter-finals of the World Cup. Let's have a bit of positivity. Get behind the team.'