Nuno Gomes - motivated. (Allsport)

Nuno Gomes believes the pain of Portugal's semi-final exit to France at Euro 2000 has helped them become a stronger team.

The 25-year-old Fiorentina star made a massive impact during Portugal's impressive run to the last four two years ago, scoring four goals in five games.

One of those strikes gave the Portuguese the lead against the French before Zinedine Zidane and Co ultimately claimed a 2-1 victory in extra-time.

However Gomes, who moved to Italy from Benfica soon after the tournament, is adamant the experience of that agonising defeat will stand them in good stead for the World Cup.

"Two years have passed by since then Euro 2000 and now we have more experience," said Gomes.

"With that experience and the fact that our players have developed more I think that we are stronger now."

Portugal go into the World Cup as one of the more fancied teams as a result of their displays in the Low Countries two years ago and the fact that they went unbeaten in World Cup qualifying.

Gomes is well aware the expectations will be sky-high back home.

"After what we did in the European Championship people expect much more from us so we have more responsibilities to do well at the World Cup," he added.

"But we have a team capable of reaching the World Cup final.

"We need luck and good form from all our players when the competition starts, but one thing we can promise is that we will do everything to stay in the tournament."

Gomes is still under contract at Fiorentina, who were relegated from Italy's Serie A this season, and he revealed that he may have to play Serie B football next season.

"I have contract with Fiorentina and I could play in Serie B next season. I have no propositions as yet."

Luis Figo, who is struggling with an ankle injury, missed both training sessions yesterday and is out of Saturday's friendly against China.

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