Figo backs Spain to defend title

Former Portugal star Luis Figo feels Spain are the favourites to win Euro 2012 based on their performances in recent years.

Spain can become the first team in history to win successive European Championships while also holding the FIFA World Cup.

And Figo, 39, acknowledged Vicente del Bosque’s men will head into the finals in Poland and Ukraine heavily favoured to retain their crown.

“It’s clear that Spain are the favourites to retain their title this summer based on what they’ve done in the past few years,” Figo told Radio Marca.

“In my opinion, Spain are always one of the favourites, at least in theory. You never know what happens on the pitch, though.”

Figo also spoke of his disappointment with the lack of balance in La Liga, which has been dominated by his former clubs Real Madrid and his Barcelona.

“I miss the times when there were more teams in La Liga fighting for the title,” he said.

“It’s just Barcelona and Real Madrid these days.”

Valencia finished third in La Liga this term, 30 points behind second-placed Barca and a further nine back from champions Real.