Suspended Figo fury at booking

Luis Figo has criticised referee Knud Erik Fisker for the booking that rules him out of Portugal's qualifier against Cyprus on Wednesday. The captain went on to admit that his goal against Republic of Ireland was "the most important headed goal of my career".

The most expensive player in the world regretted that he would not be allowed to play on Wednesday. "I think I got booked for falling on the ball after having been fouled. The referee thought that I had interfered with play, but I don't think he took the right decision."

Figo's equaliser in Saturday's 1-1 draw made him Portugal's second top scorer of all time, behind Eusebio (41 goals) and level with Nene on 22 goals.

He said: "It wasn't a prime objective for me, from a personal point of view, but I'm happy, of course, to have reached that landmark which is reflection on the team's work, and, I'm happy above all, to have been able to help the team."

"I find it really hard to score goals with my head and it seemed strange that the goal should come that way when so many chances were wasted. It's not normal, but it was the most important headed goal I've scored in my career."

He admitted that Portugal struggled at the beginning of the second half: "We were playing against the wind and couldn't get the ball under control. They put a bit more pressure on and it became more difficult. But the team changes that were made and the Irish holding back enabled us to retake control of the game."

"I'll be present for the Cyprus match because it's a real final. It won't be easy to win and the team needs all the support it can get."