BY PHUMELELE MKHONTA
MBABANE – Who will take the 2022 FIFA World Cup home?
Following the epic commencement of the 2022 FIFA World Cup yesterday in a match between Ecuador and Qatar in Qatar, the talk of town has been the discussions on the above question.
For the last four editions of the men’s World Cup, there has been one constant- a European champion.
According to Si.Com, a reputable sports online publication, ever since Brazil won its record fifth title in 2002, it has become the UEFA invitational, with Italy, Spain, Germany and France claiming the subsequent World Cup titles in succession. There has no shortage of European contenders this time around.
“France, despite all of its injuries and question marks, remains a legitimate candidate to become the first repeat champion since 1962. Germany has reloaded, while Spain took a step forward during Euro 2020 and appears poised to build upon it.
“England has been ripe for the picking of late, but it has made at least the semi-finals in each of its last two major tournaments under Gareth Southgate, while Croatia and Belgium enter as the reigning silver and bronze medallists, respectively,” commented publication.
The Eswatini Positive News (EPN) sought comment from soccer lovers, who were asked to predict who would take the cup home while giving a reason for their choice.
Most of the interviews pointed it out that they believed the Brazil, saying that they had the greatest squad this year. Worth noting is that Neymar, birth name Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior, who is one of the most celebrated soccer stars in the world, is in the Brazil squad. Neymar is currently playing for PSG, alongside budding star Kylian Mbappe.
Irvin McCreesh from the Manzini Region said it was not hard to predict who was going to take the cup home this year.
“Brazil will definitely be the champions this year. They have the best squad with players who are in top leagues around the world,” said McCreesh.
Joel Stefano said Brazil team was his old time favourite team, however stating that France could be the current winner this year. Worth noting is that Mbappe is in the French team.
Zwelakhe Mkhonta from Manzini said Brazil was an obvious win.
“The Brazilian team is composed of young men who have massive experience,” said Mkhonta.
However, other locals vouched for France, saying they would take the 2022 FIFA World Cup home.
Bradley Ranchod is one of the locals who are vying for France.
“France will definitely win. They have a concrete squad,” said Ranchod.
Lionel Katemo from Ezulwini had a different take, saying Argentina has prospects of taking it home.
“I do not think Lionel Messi will retire without a World Cup. This team has proven themselves in the last two World Cups. I believe that this time they will win it,” Katemo gave out his opinion.
