Figo - the star for Portugal. (Allsport)

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Time is running out for Portugal's golden boys, who launch their World Cup campaign against the USA in Suwon on Wednesday.

The stunning generation of footballers who promised so much when they lifted the FIFA World Youth Championship trophy twice in four years, are youthful no more.

Some might say their two greatest opportunities have passed.

It seems scarcely believable that a side which boasts the skills of Luis Figo, Fernando Couto, Joao Pinto and Rui Costa, failed to qualify for the 1998 World Cup when in the prime of their careers.

Then there was the heart-breaking semi-final defeat to France in Euro 2000.

Now, with the twilight of their footballing days just around the corner, the golden generation need the trophy which will justify the long-held sobriquet.

The spectre of a further, final disappointment looms over the whole side, regardless of age.

Goalkeeper Ricardo, the successor-elect to former captain Vitor Baia, bristles slightly when asked if the 2002 FIFA World Cup finals represent a last chance of glory.

"You have to remember some of the players here are younger than those in the so-called golden generation.

"It's normal, this pressure. We are used to it and it has its good side because it is motivational for the side."

This is a sentiment that is echoed around the Portuguese camp as if, should they repeat it often enough, it will indeed provide the crucial ingredient that has eluded Portugal for the past 10 years.

"It's a very important World Cup for me and for the others of my generation," said Pinto.

"We all know this a very important chance for us and we want to grab it with both hands. This is much more of a motivation for us than something which exerts pressure."

However, Portuguese journalist Nuno Madueira of Maisfutebol believes that the players were too afraid to take their chance against France two years ago.

"They were not positive that day. The result in the first game against England had given them an incredible impetus, but it deserted them in the semi-final. There was a fear about the players."

Rui Costa has a different recollection of the match.

He said: "We took away a lot of memories from Euro 2000. The way we lost in the semi-finals (on the golden goal rule) was unfortunate, but we still have great pride in our performance in that competition and it is that pride which we remember going into this competition."

The midfielder has had a miserable year since his move from Fiorentina to AC Milan.

Seven injuries since that transfer have seen him miss six matches for Portugal but he was given a good run-out against China in a warm-up match in Macau and it would not be wrong to suggest that the enforced absence will have increased his hunger.

Adding to his sense of anticipation is the fact that Portugal and the USA will be the last two sides to get their campaigns underway at these finals.

"If you look at the time that we have had to wait before the first game, it's not ideal for the mentality of the players," he added.

"Personally I would have preferred to have played earlier. Not the first day, but maybe the second or third would have been better."

A glance at the draw suggests that Portugal face a simple task to reach the quarter-finals at least, but Rui Costa is wary of this sort of speculation.

He said: "You cannot look past the game in hand and you cannot play the World Cup on paper. If you play the United States, or Korea, Brazil or Argentina, the preparation is the same. The big thing is not who the teams are, but the World Cup as a competition.

"We know that we have a favourable draw in theory, but we are just thinking about taking this chance to win the World Cup."

One senses that, in fact, Rui Costa and his contemporaries have thought of little else for quite some time now.