We are only four months away from the FIFA World Cup 2022, Qatar. The vibe of the greatest sporting event on the earth is all around us. Qatar is gearing up to host the tournament in 8 stadiums. The FIFA World Cup live stream will be available in every corner of the world. As we are getting ready, the Football pundits are picking their teams and favourites for the World Cup 2022.
The German football legend who captained West Germany to win the 1990 World Cup, Lothar Matthaus, predicts his early favourites for the World Cup in Qatar. He spoke to Goal and predicted Germany as one of the World Cup favorites.
The 2014 World Cup Champions Germany crashed out of the tournament four years ago in Russia. They finished at the bottom of the Group following defeats against Mexico and Korea Republic.
There has been a lot of improvement since then. Lothar Matthaus praises Hansi Flick for doing a really great job inside a year to improve the side. The legend praises Hansi Flick for transforming an inconsistent side into one of the title contenders.
Lothar Matthaus spoke to Goal, “Germany are a good team. They crashed out in the group stages last time but I think they are one of the favorites this time around. Hansi Flick is doing a great job with the team.”
Germany defeated Italy in the Nations League by 5-2 goals in June this year. It would be a hint of what is to come in the World Cup in November.
Lothar Matthaus also mentions Brazil and France as the hot favorites for this World Cup. The Selecao were undefeated in their qualifying campaign (still a rematch of the suspended match will be played between Brazil and Argentina in September). They won 15 and drew 2 matches in the qualifiers.
“Brazil is one of the favorites,” said Der Panzer. “They have had a great qualifying campaign, losing points in only two games (draws).”
Moreover, the German legend is really impressed by the squad depth of the World Champions France. They have proven goal-machines like Karim Benzema and Kylian Mbappe. Lothar Matthaus added, “I think France is also a very good team as they have very good players, not only Mbappé. They have a team that can field at least three first XIs.”
Moreover, England, Spain, Argentina, and Portugal are among the frontrunners for the World Cup trophy this year according to the 61-year-old.
Lothar Matthaus thinks that goalkeeping could be a problem for the England side. However, it is certain that Gareth Southgate will recover his side from the 0-4 defeat against Hungary in June in the Nations League. The Three Lions would make a deep run in the tournament.
It is from the interview with Goal, “Then we have England with a lot of good players but they lost against Hungary but still, they are a very good team. Maybe they have a problem with the goalkeeping department but they have great players in other positions.”
