Only 3 months are left until the start of the Qatar 2022 World Cup and many already have high expectations. Even royalty of the beautiful game, like Jürgen Klinsmann, former coach of the German national team in 2006 and world champion in Italy 1990, have talked about the possible title contenders. To the surprise of many, Klinsmann's favorites are not Germany or other European countries, but South American teams.
Jürgen Klinsmann's Favorites
For the former Bayern Munich coach, the main contenders are two South American teams. "To be honest, to qualify a team as a favorite, you have to look at what happened in the World Cup qualifiers. And today, Argentina and Brazil are the favorites above the Europeans," he replied during an interview with Diario Olé.
Jürgen Klinsmann claims that the teams of Neymar and Lionel Messi are above any other team. "They are highly motivated teams, hungry for success in Qatar. Then, obviously, there are England, Spain, France, Germany and Portugal. But undoubtedly, it will be very difficult for them to beat the South Americans," he said to the Argentine newspaper.
"Today, Argentina 🇦🇷 and Brazil 🇧🇷 are the favorites above the Europeans. Since Italy 1990, Argentina should have won a couple more World Cups. Perhaps it will happen in Qatar. I would like it for Messi. That it can happen this time, as a Christmas gift."
Signature: Jürgen Klinsmann🇩🇪. pic.twitter.com/8KFGQGl3xr
Jürgen Klinsmann wants Lionel Messi to win the World Cup
The German referred to the participation of the 'Albiceleste' in major tournaments, as he believes they should have won many more World Cups than they currently have. On the other hand, he did not hesitate to express his personal opinion and revealed that his main reason is because he wants Lionel Messi to lift the trophy.
"Since Italy 90, Argentina should have won a couple more World Cups. Perhaps it will happen in Qatar. Why not? I would like it to happen, especially for Messi. That it can happen this time, as a Christmas gift," he said.
Likewise, Klinsmann affirmed that the current stage of the Argentina national team is crucial, as it is the favorite of many and they may be facing Messi's last World Cup with the team. "Argentina is extremely hungry for this World Cup because it could be Messi's last, probably it is. That team will do everything possible to give Messi that trophy."