Figo is captain charisma, says Costinha

MARIENFELD, Germany, June 14 (Reuters) Portugal captain Luis Figo commanded respect and admiration from his players despite being the oldest member of the World Cup squad, midfielder Costinha said today.

''Figo is captain charisma,'' Costinha told a news conference.

''He is the player who surprised me most when I came into the squad because he is super professional.

''With his age, and he's not that old, having a guy in the form he is in is very good for us.'' Figo, who turns 34 in November, demonstrated his value to the side by orchestrating the 1-0 Group D win over Angola in Cologne on Sunday, carving through the defence to set up Pauleta's goal.

The veteran playmaker reconsidered his decision to retire after Portugal were beaten by Greece in the final of Euro 2004.

Coach Luiz Felipe Scolari even said Figo had improved as a player in the last two years.

Figo will almost certainly win his 122nd cap in Saturday's match against Iran in Frankfurt.

He showed his versatility against Angola, fitting into the playmaker's role left vacant by the injured Deco.

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