Yesterday Filip Joos, Aster Nzeyimana and Peter Vandenbempt discussed Belgium’s chances at the World Cup, today we focus the spotlight on a number – but not all – of the top countries. Who has the best cards? Read/listen/watch part 2 of De Tribune’s World Cup podcast.
Listen to the episode of the World Cup podcast:
Spain
Divine Aster: “I wonder about Spain: who is going to score the goals there? Only Morata is along as a striker.”
Peter Vandenbempt: “They brought 7 from Barcelona, who haven’t had a great season either.”
Philip Joos: “Against Spain, no team will have more ball possession. If you give the ball to Gavi and Pedri, then as an opponent you only get the kick-off. Then you have to score on that.”
Peter Vandenbempt: “I thought Spain was already very good at the European Championship. It was a shame that they were out against Italy.”
Divine Aster: “I find it striking that the national coach does not take Thiago along. Luis Enrique gives the reason that there is still physical work to be done. While Thiago plays every match at Liverpool.”
Philip Joos: “At the back I’m not crazy about Spain.”
Everything we say is relative, as this would be the first tournament where our predictions come true.
Germany
Peter Vandenbempt: “Maybe I’m wrong, but I expect a lot from Germany. They also have a very good coach in Flick. And I think Musiala will be one of the revelations of the tournament.”
Philip Joos: “I am very happy that he left Hummels at home. Schlotterbeck in the back surprised me.”
Peter Vandenbempt: “Germany has many offensive qualities, but without a deep striker. Flick was also said to be the mastermind behind the German 2014 world title.”
Philip Joos: “I believe less in Germany, but that’s just a feeling.”
France
Peter Vandenbempt: “A France without Kante and Pogba, that is a crater. Pogba is worthless at his club, but he is phenomenal at the national team.”
Philip Joos: “Deschamps was the only one who was able to get that out of Pogba, while all club trainers have also tried. Deschamps said: you can’t be the prima donna, but if you play your role well, we will become world champions.”
Peter Vandenbempt: “France can no longer become world champions. Due to the absence of those two.”
Philip Joos: “I was also surprised that Fofana is not there. While I watched it with open eyes in the Premier League.”
France can no longer become world champions.
Brazil
Peter Vandenbempt: “When I see how Neymar has run and worked this season. And was always fit. He and Messi entered the season with only 1 goal: to be top at the World Cup.”
“Brazil was actually very good 4 years ago. It is to the credit of Belgium that they eliminated them.”
Philip Joos: “That was a good team then, but also with guys like Fagner. Then the quality is better now. Only their backs are a problem. And a lot happens in modern football with the backs.”
“In addition, I am also pleased that Gabriel Jesus has been released from his golden cage at Arsenal. They will enjoy it so much.”
Portugal
Peter Vandenbempt: “Portugal is not inferior to Brazil. Not between the posts. Not at the back and not even in midfield and in front.”
Philip Joos: “Only you have the Ronaldo problem and the coach problem.”
Peter Vandenbempt: “A minor muscle injury to Ronaldo would be good for Portugal.”
Divine Aster: “If you see what all those players have to offer… And yet they often play dragons of matches! You would wish them a national coach like Van Gaal or Flick.”
Philip Joos: “Of course it says something that Portugal only reached the World Cup through a back door, the jump-offs.”
Cameroon will play the final according to Eto’o? I’ve seen them in action. Write it down: Cameroon gets 0 points.
Argentina
Divine Aster: “A national coach who can make Messi laugh, that is a folk hero anyway. At the last major appointments, such as in the Copa America final against Brazil, they were always there. It is really a team, they fight for each other. “
Philip Joos: “Argentina’s midfield does worry me. When I see the Brazilians… Only Messi is Messi.”
Peter Vandenbempt: “Messi has finally lost the yoke of 30 years of expectations with that victory in the Copa America. He has already brought a great trophy to Argentina.”
Philip Joos: “Messi has never scored in the knockout phase of a World Cup. That is special. But he has the favor factor of the whole world.”
Watch the full episode on VRT MAX
Do you want to be part of the World Cup football? Then listen to a new episode of De Tribune’s World Cup podcast every morning during the World Cup. Presenter Jonathan Metdepenninghen talks to our commentators in Qatar. You can listen to the new episode every time from 8.30 am in the VRT MAX app and on Sporza.
