Don't call us World Cup favourites, says Figo

Portugal's Luis Figo said on Saturday he was satisfied with a World Cup draw that will see his side take on Poland, the United States and co-hosts South Korea in the opening group stage.

But the Real Madrid forward warned that his side could not take a place in the second round for granted as he played down talk of Portugal being among the favourites for the competition.

"We're satisfied but all the teams have the same chance of getting through," Figo said in Madrid on Saturday. "It's always easier to talk in theory than it is in practice."

"In theory, Poland look to be the toughest team as they're European. The United States have been in World Cups recently, though, and they have that experience, while South Korea are the hosts and they'll have the support of the fans."

Portugal emerged as one of the strongest teams in Europe as they came close to upsetting eventual champions France in Euro 2000 but the country's lack of recent World Cup experience means their chances should not be talked up too high, Figo said.

"You can't call us favourites," he said. "We haven't been in World Cup finals recently and we don't have the same experience as the biggest countries."

"The favourites will be the teams that have that success on their CVs in terms of World Cup wins."