Ali Fergani (former coach and international representative of Algeria)
” I wish I could be as optimistic about Samuel Eto’o’s prediction of a Cameroon/Morocco final as well as a victory for his nation. But we must be clear. It will be hard to get out of the first round. All African selections have inherited complex groups. Senegal is a little better off, but since we don’t know if Sadio Mané will be able to play (he is finally withdrawn, Editor’s note), and since this team is necessarily less strong without its best element, it will obviously be more difficult.
We can see that each group will face either a favourite (France and Brazil for Tunisia or Morocco) or a big outsider. (Netherlands, Portugal for Ghana and Belgium for Senegal), Even if Sadio Mané is absent or even reduced, I see Senegal reaching the second round. For others… let’s say it might depend on the first game. A win, or any other positive result, can be a source of confidence and can be very helpful for the future. Ghana is far from being the shining example of the Brazilians of Africa in the 1980s.
Three of my top choices for World Cup favorites are Brazil, Argentina, and France. France, even if it deplores several absentees including Pogba and Kanté, remains very strong, with an experienced coach and extraordinary attackers, including Mbappé and Benzema. There are also options for countries like Germany, Spain and Belgium. »
Pathé Diallo (former international and coach of Mali)
” As with every edition of the World Cup it is expected that a large team will be crowned the world champion. For me, Brazil, France and Argentina are the main contenders. Spain, Germany, Portugal, and others are also possible. Even though it seems less powerful than 2018, Belgium can still have ambition. This tournament is the last chance for many players from this great generation of Belgian football. Croatia is getting older, but it has the potential to go far enough. Switzerland is also a team with experience in major tournaments.
For African selectionsExpect it to be extremely complicated. Samuel Eto’o talks to me about the Cameroon-Morocco final. Already thinking about the next round. Who can qualify? They have every chance but we have to admit that not all of them can qualify. Senegal lost Sadio Mané, and without him the team is less strong, although they can qualify because they didn’t fall in the toughest group. Morocco, Tunisia, and Ghana will be taking on teams that could claim the title, such France, Brazil, or Belgium. As an African, I hope as many teams as possible will make it to the second round.. »
Pierre Lechantre, former coach of Cameroon (Mali) and Congo (Congo).
” Samuel Eto’o is putting too much pressure on his team, announcing they will be world champions. I don’t know why he does that. Although current Cameroon is home to many talented players such as Onana, Zambo Anguissa and Toko Ekambi or Choupo -Moting, there are also other strong selections that can compete with the Indomitable Lions, including Brazil, France, Argentina.
There are also Serbian and Swiss in the Cameroon Group, which are both very strong teams. It will be difficult for Ghana and Tunisia. Even without Sadio Mané, Senegal can qualify for the second round. I also want to tip a coin for Morocco, which could surpass Canada and Croatia. I personally give you a France/Brazil final. We talk a lot about France, including the injuries, the atmosphere, and the last bad results. It is a good thing, for me. France is never as strong when it is in difficulty… »
Alexis BILLEBAULT
Source: sportnewsafrica
