The 33-year-old Figo won his 127th cap for Portugal - he is the country's most capped player - coming on in the 75th minute for a cameo role, providing the curling cross for Nuno Gomes to score Portugal's goal.

At the final whistle Figo was in tears after 15 years of international service came to an end.

"It is hard for me to end my international career in this way. I did everything I could and the team gave their all, but Germany deserved their victory," Figo said.

Portuguese Prime Minister Jose Socrates, who attended the match, said Figo had been "a great captain".

"This squad had in Luis Figo a great leader on the pitch," he told Portugal's SIC television.

Figo was part of his country's 'golden generation' that won the under-16 European championship in 1989 and the under-20 world championship in 1991.

As a promising wideman Figo made his international debut against Luxembourg in October 1991 but was unable to get the silverware he craved.

After a semifinal exit at Euro 2000, Figo channelled his efforts into the Euro 2004 finals in his homeland, but Portugal lost 1-0 to surprise package Greece in the final and Figo announced his retirement from international football shortly afterwards.

Portugal's Brazilian coach Luiz Felipe Scolari persuaded him to reverse his decision and have one last crack at landing a major title at this World Cup.

But a 1-0 semifinal defeat to France ended that dream and Figo leaves the international stage without winning a major trophy in Portugal's colours.

With the curtain coming down on his glittering international career Figo will now concentrate on his club career with Inter Milan.

He has been arguably Portugal's finest player since the great Eusebio who top-scored at the 1966 World Cup with nine goals.