NL Hafta

This week’s Just Sports is all about the World Cup and football madness. Both Samar Khan and Rahul Puri feel this World Cup is quite different because don’t have Netherlands, US, Chile and Italy playing. Rahul thinks the “number of countries in the category of 'can win it' has been reduced by two”. Clearly, this World Cup is not about the old favourites. Samar says: “It’s quite an open World Cup with many teams. The bookmakers favourite is Brazil with Neymar, Coutinho and Gabriel Jesus. Brazil is the perennial favourite. But you cannot write off anyone this time. There is Germany, there is France.” Rahul agrees. He thinks the World Cup is quite open. Talking about Brazil, Rahul thinks it’s a “great offensive force” but he is sceptical that they would “play the most exciting football”. He thinks France is the most balanced side to watch out for. Rahul seems to agree: “They are a superb side, they have got goals, they have defensive solidity, midfield organisation and quality.”  But Rahul seems a little more sceptical than Samar since he thinks France can get “too defensive”. Both of them talk about critics view about “ageing players” in Germany’s team. Rahul thinks they have got the “temperament, they know how to grind off games, and they are in a crucial group”. Talking about England, Samar feels they are “a perennial hyped-up group” who have the players but don’t make it. Rahul differs from Samir’s assessment of talent in England’s team. He thinks this England team is not the best one compared to the ones they have sent for previous World Cups. Rahul strongly feels they won’t make it beyond quarterfinals. Talking of the “underdogs”, both think that Belgium is a strong challenger. Listen up.