WHAT THEY SAY

Bafana legends say it’s Loew’s Germans

THE 2018 Fifa World Cup kicks off in Moscow today with the hosts‚ Russia‚ meeting Saudi Arabia at Luzhniki Stadium.

The Daily Dispatch has asked four former Bafana Bafana players who represented their country at the France 1998 and Korea/Japan 2002 World Cups who they tip to win in Russia.

John Moeti (1998 World Cup): I choose Germany to win. They have proven themselves over the years as a very consistent team‚ and they’re also a team for big occasions.

They know how to win tournaments.

Choosing a top goalscorer is a very difficult one because tournaments are very unpredictable. When you expect established strikers to perform they can fail.

It’s an opportunity for young strikers. I can say‚ perhaps Gabriel Jesus‚ from Manchester City and Brazil.

It’s also hard to predict Player of the Tournament. Maybe Paolo Dybala‚ depending on how Argentina perform.

George Koumantarakis (2002 World Cup):

I think France will win it. They’re a European team and the World Cup is in Europe‚ so the conditions favour them.

I think they’ve got a very wellbalanced squad. Until two years ago they had the most expensive player in the world‚ Paul Pogba.

They’ve got a very strong midfield that also has N’Golo Kanté and Steven Nzonzi‚ who plays for Sevilla.

Defence is probably their weakest area‚ but upfront they’ve got proven scorers like Antoine Griezmann. And they’ve got that flair‚ and that X-factor.

I think Luis Suarez will be top scorer. I’m looking at his group that he’s in [with Russia‚ Saudi Arabia and Egypt] and there is the opportunity to score goals there. Brendan Augustine (1998 World Cup):

Which team will win the World Cup? That would have to be Germany.

I’ve been supporting them since I was a small boy and I’ve always respected the way they play the type of football they play.

Very dynamic and precise football. And they got a couple of big talents who’ve just come through the ranks now.

With Thomas Mueller’s experience I would also hope that he could win the Golden Boot. He won it in South Africa in 2010. It will probably be his last World Cup as well.

Maimane Phiri (2002 World Cup): Germany will win.

They’ve kept the core of the team that won in Brazil in 2014‚ and they strengthened that side with the young players who they added winning the 2017 Confederation Cup.

I think they are stronger than in 2014.

I think Neymar could be Player of the Tournament. He’s lived under the shadow of Messi. He did well in 2014‚ and it was when he became injured that Brazil fell apart there.

Top goalscorer I think can come from Neymar or perhaps Thomas Mueller.