Former Brazil star Ronaldo says he can’t get behind his nation’s nice sporting rivals Argentina on the World Cup, and backs France as “big favourites” to retain their title.
Lionel Messi doubtless has one closing probability to carry the one main trophy lacking from his assortment, however Ronaldo is not going to be rooting for the South Americans in Tuesday’s semifinal towards Croatia.
“I’m not going to be a hypocrite and say I’ll be happy for Argentina” in the event that they win the World Cup, stated Ronaldo. “But I see football as a romantic. And I will appreciate any champion.”
“Since the beginning, my prediction has always been Brazil and France in the final,” the two-time World Cup winner informed media together with AFP at a roundtable in Doha.
“Brazil are no longer there. But France, match after match, are backing up their status as favourites and I still see them as the big favourites.”
Ronaldo, who scored each targets within the 2002 World Cup closing towards Germany, expects France to see off shock semi-finalists Morocco on Wednesday.
“I would really like (Morocco to win) but I don’t think they will. I think France have a very solid team, whether it’s in defence, attack or midfield,” stated the twice former Ballon d’Or winner.
Ronaldo has specifically been impressed by Kylian Mbappe, the event’s main scorer in Qatar with 5 targets.
“He knows how to use his skills, how to go faster than the others. And he uses them to give assists or to score,” stated Ronaldo, who expects the 23-year-old Mbappe to shatter quite a few data.
“He has the time, the skills, he’s thirsty and he has the talent to conquer it all, that’s for sure.”
Ronaldo paid tribute to Morocco’s performances after the Atlas Lions grew to become the primary African facet to succeed in a World Cup semi-final and the primary Arab crew to take action.
“It’s a great football story that an African team is in the semi-finals of a World Cup,” he stated. “I saw the reactions in Morocco, what football gives us is very beautiful.”