Argentina captain Lionel Messi has mentioned defending champions France and Brazil are sturdy contenders to win the World Cup in Qatar as they’ve a core group of gamers who’ve performed collectively for a very long time.
Messi mentioned Brazil, Germany, France, England and Spain have all the time been thought-about sturdy contenders to win, however the 35-year-old ahead believes France and Brazil are the very best two groups within the run from November 20 to December. 18 tournaments.
“We always call the same great team … But, if I have to choose, Brazil and France are two great candidates to win the World Cup,” Messi instructed Directive Sports.
“They have had the identical group (of gamers) for a very long time, doing a very good job. France, in contrast to the final Euro once they have been eradicated (within the final 16) and carried out poorly, have some spectacular gamers.
“He has a transparent thought and the identical coach (Didier Deschamps). Brazil is a bit related (below the tit).”
Messi didn’t point out Argentina, who’re unbeaten in 35 matches, as favorites though Lionel Scaloni’s aspect received the Copa America final yr after beating Brazil within the remaining.
But Argentina has been in bother not too long ago with accidents to key gamers Paulo Dybala and Angel Di Maria.
Scoloni described the membership soccer crowd in October as “terrible” however urged his gamers to not again right down to keep away from risking harm forward of the World Cup.
“We are in a very difficult period. The players are playing a lot of games,” Scaloni instructed AFAestudio. “There will be issues as a result of there are accidents[and]suspensions. This is a part of being an elite participant and a nationwide staff participant.
“I’m worried, but there’s little you can do. I believe the player has to go out on the pitch to play and not think about what’s coming – it can be harmful. Let’s play with it.”
Argentina will face the United Arab Emirates in November of their remaining warm-up recreation earlier than heading into the World Cup, the place they play their first Group C recreation towards Saudi Arabia on November 22. Mexico and Poland are the opposite groups within the group.
With inputs from TheIndianEXPRESS
