The Germans (and Neymar!) are coming... STAN COLLYMORE
DAYS TO GO
DON’T underestimate PERU. They have their captain and all-time leading goalscorer, Paolo Guerrero, back after his drugs suspension was reduced. That, in itself, can galvanisea nation. South American qualifying is very strong and, like Poland, that the feeling is if they can get out of the group they can grow along the way. They play with a real attacking flair, work tremendously other, hard for each and have a nice balance between youth and experience. And it’s their first finals since 1982, which will make things extra special for them. I talked to Teofilo Cubillas, the Peruvian Pele who played Cups in the World in 70s and 80s, recently, and he said: “We’re ready. “If people underestimate us we can go a long, long way.” TIMO WERNER, Germany’s 22-yearold striker. The Germans have a great pedigree of goalscorers, from Gerd Muller to Rudi Voeller and Lukas Podolski, and they know how to create chances for them. If they can create for Werner he will bury them. He was in Russia last year and enjoyed his experience, finishing top scorer at the Confederations Cup, and I can see him picking up where he left off. I WOULDN’T be surprised if FRANCE crashed out in the group phase and I wouldn’t be surprised if they won the whole tournament. The big question is whether they will come good or whether they will be like their rugby union side, who are capable of demolishing the All Blacks one day, then getting demolished by them the next. That makes me wonder if there is something fragile about the French mentality – they have incredible flair, aptitude and ability but something else always threatens to undermine them.