Former national striker believes France, Brazil and Portugal have the strongest claim to World Cup glory
FRANCE, Brazil and Portugal are the three teams best positioned to lift the World Cup based on current player form, says former national striker Akmal Rizal Rakhli.
Akmal believes the trio possess the quality, depth and balance needed to go all the way with France remain among the strongest contenders due to the abundance of attacking options available to the squad.
“If you ask me, my three favourites to win the World Cup are France, Brazil and Portugal,” Akmal said when contacted by theSun.
“The players in these teams are currently in very good form. France especially have incredible strength in attack. It’s not just a front three. They have five, six or even seven players capable of playing at the highest level in those attacking positions.”
France has displayed impressive performance in the group stage by wininng all three games, including the final clash against Norway where Les Blues recorded 4-1 win.
Didier Deschamps’ squad claims the top spot with all main superstars, especially Kylian Mbppae and Ousmane Dembele scored four goals respectively.
While Brazil have not looked particularly convincing in recent months, Akmal believes the South American giants should never be discounted.
The former striker pointed to the blend of youth and experience within the squad, as well as the influence of head coach Carlo Ancelotti, as reasons why Brazil remain a serious contender.
“Brazil may not have been very impressive and they have a mixture of experienced and young players.
“But I trust Ancelotti. He is a very experienced coach and knows how to bring players together. I believe Brazil can achieve their objective of returning as one of the main contenders to win the World Cup.”
Five-time champion Brazil squeezed out of Group C by finishing top by goal difference compared to Morocco after both teams collected seven points.
The team, which blends youth and experienced squad was led by Vinicus Jr who scored four times to help Selecao through to the knockout stage.
Interestingly, Akmal, like another former natinal player Khairul Fahmi Che Mat also identified Japan as a dark horse capable of upsetting some of football’s elite nations.
The former striker said that the Asian side have consistently improved in recent years and boast a squad dominated by players competing in Europe’s top leagues.
“I think Japan are the team that can surprise many people. When you look at their squad and some of their recent results, they have already shocked several big countries.
“Almost 90% of their players are playing in Europe and at very good clubs. Japan are definitely a team that deserves attention and I believe they can create a surprise, perhaps even reaching the semifinals.”
With France, Brazil and Portugal among his favourites and Japan tipped as a potential giant-killer, Akmal expects an intensely competitive tournament where squad depth and consistency will ultimately determine who lifts football’s biggest prize.
