- interviewer
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Well Luis,
We have had a lot of drama since we last spoke....in the Premier League in UK, La Liga in Spain and the Champions League. We are now into the final the stages of all three competitions, so we would like you to give our Dafabet customers your views on the likely winners in each. - Figo
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Firstly, I predicted there would be a few shock results as we approach the end of a dramatic season, and we certainly have had these in all three competitions. Positions are now even tighter at the top two European Leagues, and looking at the tables of both, I think we could have even more drama before the champions are crowned.
- interviewer
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Let's look first at the Premier League, where the table today looks like this:
Liverpool played 34 total points 77 4 games left Chelsea played 34 total points 75 4 games left Man City played 32 total points 70 6 games left Everton played 33 total points 66 5 games left Arsenal played 33 total points 64 5 games left - Figo
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Well surely we are now down to a three team challenge following the last 4 matches Arsenal played, losing two and drawing two, effectively dropping 10 points. They have gone downhill rapidly since the injuries to Ozil and Ramsey, both of whom were superb during the first half of the season. I feel Arsenal's concentration must now be on the FA CUP, having just reached the final, beating Wigan on penalties.
As I said at our last interview "the key matches will surely determine the Premier League Champions", and here Liverpool have had a big say in the final outcome. The game against Man City was an important one to win and their 3 – 2 victory was huge in the race for the Championship. They now have only to win their last 4 games to be Champions, but one of these is against Chelsea at home on 27th April.
Chelsea however, will surely have their minds on the Champions League semi final second leg at home to Atlético de Madrid, scheduled for the following week, so I'm not sure they can focus on winning both ties.
As for Man City, the loss against Liverpool was a disastrous result, and they still have another difficult game, as they have to play away at Everton, who are pushing for a Champions League top four spot as they watch Arsenal fall away. Man City need Liverpool to trip up in their last 4 matches, otherwise they will again have lost out in the Premier League Championship.
- interviewer
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Looking at the schedules of the other title contenders, who do you think has the easiest finish to the season?
- Figo
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Well a month ago I thought that Chelsea were favourites, as they had the points on the board, but following their easy win 6 – 0 against Arsenal, they lost 1 – 0 at Crystal Palace, and they now have a really tricky fixture left...away to Liverpool on 27th April. However, the fact that Chelsea are still competing in the Champions League adds a lot to their end of season schedule, particularly as the Liverpool match comes so close to the return leg semi final of the Champions League.
As we discussed earlier, I think that Arsenal, the leaders for so long, have now fallen away, and they are no longer contenders for the Championship.
- interviewer
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The Liverpool coach Brendan Rodgers still will not recognise his team as potential Champions. How do you see his position?
- Figo
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Brendan Rodgers has achieved a great run with Liverpool, and this was emphasised last week when they won a tremendous game against Man City 3 - 2 at home, at Anfield. When I look at their remaining 4 matches I see the only real hurdle as the home match against Chelsea on 27th April, with possibly a tricky fixture against the dogged defence of Crystal Palace on 3rd May. I f they can win both of these they have a great chance of becoming Champions. It is great to see the quality of their football this season with Suarez and Sturridge being well supported by the rising star of young Sterling.
Also the new role Rodgers has given captain Steven Gerrard, has played a big part in controlling that vital area of the pitch, just in front of the Liverpool back four.
- interviewer
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So with just a handful of matches to go, who do you predict will be the Premier League Champions?
- Figo
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Much as I respect the talent and planning of José Mourinho, I think the priority for Chelsea will now be the Champions League , and therefore I think Liverpool will triumph on 27th April at home, so opening the door for them to be Champions I have to go for LIVERPOOL.
- interviewer
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Let's now turn to La Liga, where as you predicted, we have had a series of shock results, but still, we have 3 teams contesting the title. The current positions of the teams are:
Atlético de Madrid played 33 total points 82 Real Madrid played 33 total points 79 Barcelona played 33 total points 78 - Figo
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I was surprised to see Barcelona beat Real Madrid in El Clasico at the Bernabeu, and even more so when Real Madrid lost the following week at Sevilla. The first game was marred by a series of penalties, and a red card against Real Madrid, and I think the loss to Sevilla was a huge setback, and probably a reaction to the defeat by Barca.
Since then we have seen Atlético de Madrid power onward, not only in La Liga, but also in the Champions League. And the truth is that if Atlético de Madrid can win their next 5 matches they are certain to be Champions...but the last game is away to Barcelona at the Camp Nou. However, this may now be irrelevant following Barcelona's shock 1- 0 defeat at Granada last weekend. If Atlético win their next 4 matches they will be 4 points in front of Barcelona when they meet for the last match of the season.
Real Madrid have a relatively comfortable final 5 games, and with 3 of these at home, the only tricky one seems to be against Valencia on 4th May. So at this stage it would appear to be between the two Madrid teams, but we have to factor in the fact that they are both still in the Champions League with two tough semi final legs to play later this month. These matches could have a serious effect on both teams.
- interviewer
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Recognising the matches remaining, which team will you pick as La Liga Champions?
- Figo
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We have spoken about the La Liga schedule, but we must also consider that both Madrid teams could have another 3 matches in the Champions League, and these additional games at such a high level may have an impact on their final league games.
Previously I was in favour of Real Madrid, but on recent form I must now go for their close neighbours.......
...................................ATLETICO DE MADRID.......... to be Champions - interviewer
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When you made the draw in Switzerland, for the semi finals of the Champions League, you pulled together four fascinating matches, with both Madrid teams playing at home for the first leg. How do you see these games finishing?
Firstly........Atlético de Madrid v Chelsea
- Figo
-
Just as I thought, Chelsea got their away goal in Paris against Paris St. Germain, and although they lost 3 – 1 there, the 2 – 0 win at home was enough to see them through to the semi final on the "away goals" rule. A great result for José Mourinho, and now he is in exactly the same position again, only this time against Atlético de Madrid, who qualified the same way, scoring against Barcelona away, and then securing a
1 - 0 win at home.
This semi final could have a similar trend with Chelsea trying to score in Madrid and then holding out in the return leg in London. However, coach Simeone has this Atlético de Madrid squad in top form, leading La Liga by three points, and now contesting the semi final of the Champions League. In a very tight match I will go for CHELSEA, because of their experience in this position
- interviewer
-
Secondly....Real Madrid v Bayern Munich
- Figo
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This match was my selection for the Final, but the draw I made on 11 April has put these two top class sides opposing each other in the semi final. Real Madrid had something of a fright against Borussia Dortmund in the quarter final, when after winning 3 - 0 in Madrid, they just scraped through, losing 2 – 0 in Germany, so winning 3 – 2 on aggregate.
Bayern Munich however, had a quite comfortable second leg victory 3 – 1 over Manchester United, following their 1 – 1 draw away, so qualifying 4 – 2 on aggregate.
This is an intriguing semi final, with two superb attacking teams featuring some of the best players in the world, including Lahm, Schweinsteiger, Robben and Ribéry for Bayern Munich, and Ronaldo, Bale, Alonso and Benzema for Real Madrid. And let's also remember that both teams have two of the world's best goalkeepers in Neuer and Casillas.
A match good enough to be the final, but I must go for REAL MADRID
- interviewer
-
This would then give us a final in Lisbon on 24th May of
CHELSEA v REAL MADRID
Who do you see as Champions?
- Figo
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REAL MADRID
Dafabet's New Ambassador
2014 brings us the 20th World Cup being held in Brazil commencing in June. Ahead of which, Dafabet are proud to announce that 'Luis Figo' will be our World Cup Ambassador. He will offer Dafabet players his expert opinions on what will be the most viewed event in the history of sport. Figo played 579 times at club level for Real Madrid, Barcelona, Inter Milan and Sporting Lisbon. He won 127 International caps for Portugal, who he captained to the semi-finals of the 2006 World Cup Finals. He is known as one of the best midfielders to have ever played the game.
Join us ongoing on the run-up to Finals for exclusive interviews and promotions, then during the event itself when we'll have exclusive competitions that only Dafabet players can join.
Join Dafabet Now!
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Read Figo's Pick on this year's winners of the Champions League, EPL and La Liga.
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Luis Figo's latest exclusive interview. Read Figo's views on the Champions League, EPL and La Liga.
- interviewer
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Hi Luis, the Dafabet customers much prefer to bet on the Premier League in UK, La Liga in Spain and the Champions League. As we approach the latter stages of each of these, can you give our customers your assessment of how things might turnout?
- Figo
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"Well, we certainly have things tight in the top two European Leagues, and looking at the tables of both, I think we will have the closest finish for many years."
- interviewer
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Let's look first at the Premier League, where the table today looks like this:
Chelsea played 31 total points 69 7 games left Liverpool played 30 total points 65 8 games left Man City played 28 total points 63 10 games left Arsenal played 30 total points 62 8 games left - Figo
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"The key matches will surely determine the Premier League Champions, and here Liverpool will have a big say in the final outcome, as both Man City and Chelsea have to visit Liverpool, and these will be difficult away matches for both clubs.
When I look at the remaining matches for each club, I think Man City have a very difficult run in, as they have to play away at Man United, Arsenal, Liverpool and Everton, as well as completing a total of 10 games within 7 weeks. The benefit they have is a very large squad, and I'm sure coach Pellegrini will rotate his players over this tricky period."
- interviewer
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Looking at the schedules of the other title contenders, who do you think has the easiest finish to the season?
- Figo
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"Surely this must be Chelsea, as they have the points on the board, and following their easy win against Arsenal today, they only have one really tricky fixture left...away to Liverpool on 26th April. However, the defeat at Aston Villa last week was a big setback, and it just shows that even when some games look easy on paper, shocks will occur. And let's not forget that Chelsea are still competing in the Champions League, which will add to their end of season schedule.
Arsenal on the other hand have another two difficult games following the loss against Chelsea today. These are at home to Man City on 29th March and away to Everton on 6th April."
- interviewer
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Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has said for the first time this season, that Liverpool are now contenders for the Premier League title. Can you see them achieving such a massive step under their young coach Brendan Rodgers?
- Figo
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"Brendan Rodgers has achieved a great run with Liverpool, and this was emphasised last week when they thrashed Man U 3-0 away at Old Trafford. When I look at their remaining 8 matches I note that 5 are at home, and two are against their closest rivals, Man City on 13th April, and Chelsea on 27th April. I f they can win both of these they have a great chance of becoming Champions. They certainly have the 'fire power' up front with both Suarez and Sturridge scoring goals for fun!!"
- interviewer
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So given all the examination of the prospects of each Club, who do you predict will be the Premier League Champions?
- Figo
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"I must go for Chelsea to be Champions, recognising the experience of the players and of course their coach to handle the stress associated with such a challenging run in."
- interviewer
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Let's now turn to La Liga, where for the first time for a few years we have 3 teams contesting the title. The current positions of the teams are:
Real Madrid played 30 total points 70 Atlético de Madrid played 30 total points 67 Barcelona played 30 total points 66 Athletic Bilbao played 30 total points 52 - Figo
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"Once again we need to examine the key matches, where the top three meet each other, starting with El Clasico this weekend, when Real Madrid play Barcelona at the Bernabeu. This will be a pivotal result in the title race, and I see the winner going on to be La Liga Champions.
However there are still some tricky matches ahead for each team, as Atlético de Madrid have to play Athletic Bilbao away on 29th March, and on the final day of the season, 17th May, they play away at Barcelona. These two matches could be very difficult for Atlético de Madrid's title hopes.
Real Madrid only seem to have one difficult away match and that is against Real Sociedad on the 6th April."
- interviewer
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Recognising the matches remaining, which team will you pick as La Liga Champions?
- Figo
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"We have spoken about the La Liga schedule, but we should also consider that any one of these teams could have another 3 matches in the Champions League, and these additional games at such a high level could have an impact on their final league games.
However, I still think that because of their outstanding success so far this season Real Madrid will have the power and determination to be Champions."
- interviewer
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This of course brings us neatly on to the Champions League, and with the quarter final draw now made, how do you see these matches going, remembering that they are to be played 1st & 2nd April with the return legs on 8th & 9th April
Firstly........Paris St. German v Chelsea
- Figo
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"This must be regarded as the best draw José Mourhino could have hoped for, although Paris St. German have improved a lot as this season has progressed. However, if Chelsea can get an away goal in the first leg, or even hold on for a draw in Paris, we know that Chelsea are rock solid at home.
I go for Chelsea to get through to the semi finals."
- interviewer
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Secondly........Manchester United v Bayern Munich
- Figo
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"Well Man U have had perhaps their worst season in the Premier League for many years, and they have been done no favours being drawn against the defending champions Bayern.
In this tie I must go for the quality and skill of Bayern Munich to see them through to the semi finals."
- interviewer
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Thirdly ........Real Madrid v Borussia Dortmund
- Figo
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"Although outclassed all season by Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga, Borussia have once again reached the quarter finals of the Champions league, where they lost in the final last year to their old rivals Bayern.
Real Madrid have gone from strength to strength this year with Cristiano Ronaldo once again outstanding, performing even better with his new partner Gareth Bale.
Here I must go for Real Madrid to progress."
- interviewer
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Finally......Barcelona v Atlético de Madrid
- Figo
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"A very tricky tie this one, which is almost a Derby game in European terms, between two top teams who are also competing for the La Liga title. I can see Diego Costa proving a handful for the Barca back four especially Mascarenas, but then can the Atleti midfield contain Iniesta, Xavi and that little genius Lionel Messi?
This is a tough game for both teams, and a lot will be decided in the first leg at the Nou Camp.
A great cup tie, and I think that Barcelona will win through to the semi finals."
- interviewer
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This would then give us the following four teams for the semi finals on 22nd & 23rd April, with the return legs on 29th & 30th April.
Chelsea,
Bayern Munich,
Real Madrid and
Barcelona
Who do you see progressing to the Final on 24th May?
- Figo
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"Well, they will all be watching the order in which I make the semi finals draw in Nyon , Switzerland on 11 April, to see who will play each other, and in what order.
Whatever the outcome of the draw, I can see the final in my home city of Lisbon on 24th May being between
Real Madrid and Bayern Munich,
And what a game that will be!!"
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Here is his first interview with us – a great read for any football fan!
- interviewer
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Luis, firstly let me welcome you as the Dafabet Ambassador for World Cup 2014, a tournament which has great memories for you, when you captained Portugal to the semi finals in 2006.
- Figo
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"Yes, we had a great squad that year, and only a penalty by Zinedine Zidane prevented us from reaching the final, but I was delighted to see the Portuguese team qualify for the finals next year in Brazil, courtesy of 3 superb goals by Cristiano Ronaldo, in Sweden."
- interviewer
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Now that the draw for the play-off stages of the World Cup has been made, can you give the Dafabet fans your opinion of the probable winners and losers in each Group
- Figo
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"Well, in Group A….. we have Brazil, Croatia, Mexico and Cameroon, and I feel things here will be a little tighter than most people expect. There are some great players on show here, like Neymar and Oscar for Brazil, Luka Modric with Croatia, Samuel Eto'o of Cameroon and Mexico's Oribe Peralta. However, I have to go with Brazil to top the Group, but with Cameroon as runners up."
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Group B….. is fascinating, as it brings the finalists of the last World Cup, Spain and Holland, back in opposition again on June 13 only the second day of the tournament. Also in this Group we have Chile and Australia, but here I can only see Spain and Holland qualifying in that order, with the stars of the Group being Iniesta for Spain and Robben for Holland.
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In Group C…… we have Columbia, Greece, Ivory Coast and Japan, and this seems quite an easy qualification for Columbia, particularly as their final match is against Japan in Cuiaba, where temperatures can exceed 40º. I favour Ivory Coast for the runners up spot, especially as they have players of the quality of Yaya Toure and Didier Drogba.
Dafabet fans should watch out for Falcao, currently one of the top strikers in French football, playing for Columbia.
- interviewer
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Now we come to Group D, which English fans are saying could be the "Group of Death", featuring Uruguay, Costa Rica, England and Italy. How do you see this one working out?
- Figo
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I think they are right to be very concerned about England's chances in this Group, particularly as the first England match is against Italy on June 14 in Manaus, almost in the middle of the Amazon jungle region, where the humidity will be 99%. This will have a very draining effect on all the players, and England play Uruguay only 5 days later in Sao Paulo, whereas Italy have an extra day before they meet Costa Rica. Obviously we are all looking forward to seeing stars like Suarez and Cavani perform for Uruguay, and Andrea Pirlo and the explosive Mario Balotelli for Italy.
For these reasons I feel Uruguay will top this Group with Italy runners-up, and sadly, England taking an early flight home.
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Group E…. features Switzerland, Ecuador, France and Honduras, and rather like Group C we seem to have easy qualifiers in Ecuador and France. The French have an easy opening game against Honduras on June 15, followed by Switzerland on June 20, before they play Ecuador on June 25, when I'm sure both will have already qualified. Stars to watch out for here are Antonio Valencia and Felipe Caicedo for Ecuador, and Franck Ribery, Karem Benzema and Paul Pogba for France
- interviewer
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I'm sure the whole football world is hoping Lionel Messi can perform in this World Cup like he does for Barcelona. He was only used as a substitute in the 2006 tournament, and failed to score in the 2010 World Cup. Do you think this is Messi's time to show his true class at World Cup level?
- Figo
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Indeed this must be the ideal tournament for Lionel Messi, especially recognising the weakness of the Group F……with Bosnia Herzegovina, Iran and Nigeria in opposition, and also being surrounded by the talents of Angel di Maria, Sergio Agüero, and Gonzalo Higuain.
Dafabet fans should also look out for the Nigerian strikers like Obafemi Martins and Victor Obinna, who will help their team finish runners up in this Group, especially as this squad will not be concerned by the hot and humid conditions.
- interviewer
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You have already expressed how proud you are of the Portuguese team for the way in which they qualified with that great win in Sweden. How do you think they will perform in their Group?
- Figo
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Group G……. contains one of the strongest teams in World Cup history, Germany, and 2014 is no exception, as once again they have a very good squad, with top class players like Mesut Ozil, Thomas Muller, Mario Gomez and Miroslav Klose to name just a few. And at the back they have strength in depth with Philipp Lahm, Per Mertesacker and Bastian Schweinsteiger. The first game of this Group, Germany v Portugal on June 16 will be fascinating. Pepe, Fabio Coentrao and Bruno Alves will have to contain those German forwards, but can the German back four stop, Cristiano Ronaldo, Nani and Hugo Almeida?
I'm sure a draw would suit both teams.
The other teams of Ghana and USA will present stiff opposition particularly for Portugal, as they play USA in the humidity of Manaus on June 22 with only 4 days recovery till they meet Ghana in their final match on June 26. However, I favour Germany to win the Group from Portugal.
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The final Group H…… features Belgium, Algeria, Russia and South Korea, and this seems a fairly straightforward task for Belgium and Russia in that order. The crunch match here is the Belgium v Russia clash on June 22 in Rio de Janeiro.
Fans should watch out for Eden Hazard and Romelu Lukaku for Belgium and Aleksandr Kerzhakov for Russia.
- interviewer
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Finally Luis, you have predicted some top teams to be eliminated in the Group stages, like Mexico, Chile, England and Ghana. Can you possibly see any of these progressing…with a little bit of good luck?
- Figo
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Perhaps the only one could be Mexico, if they can beat Cameroon on June 13. I fear the others are doomed to an early exit.
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Read Figo’s Pick on this year’s winners of the Champions League, EPL and La Liga.
- interviewer
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Well Luis,
You predicted “even more drama before the champions are crowned” and we certainly have had that in the Premier League in UK, La Liga in Spain and the Champions League. - Figo
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Yes, I predicted there would be a few shock results as we approach the end of a dramatic season, but no one could have expected teams like Sunderland and Crystal Palace to seriously affect the Premier League title race, nor Getafe and Levante in Spain to completely change the La Liga title prospects of 2 of the top teams.
The performance of Sunderland in the final run in has been remarkable, and they have been one team, which has swung the Premier League title one way and then the other, as they have battled to get out of their relegation position. Winning away at Chelsea and Manchester United, and drawing away at Manchester City were massive results for Sunderland, and Manager Gus Poyet deserves great credit for the way he motivated his squad to perform in this way.
Similarly, Crystal Palace under manager Tony Pulis, have proved stubborn opponents for all teams they have faced, and their recovery from 0 – 3 at home to Liverpool, to draw 3 – 3 was typical of their attitude since Pulis took over the team at the end of November last year, when they were threatened with relegation. Sadly it could have seen the end of Liverpool’s title hopes.
- interviewer
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But surely Luis the biggest shocks have come in Spain especially last weekend, when none of the top three teams could win?
- Figo
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I did caution that the Champions League semi final matches which both Real Madrid and Atlético de Madrid faced would take a lot to recover from, and as we saw both teams were a bit flat immediately following such massive semis. When Getafe held Barcelona to a draw, the door was opened for both Madrid teams to seal the La Liga title, but first we had Atlético de Madrid losing at home to Levante, and then Real Madrid only just scraped a draw at home to Valencia, with an amazing goal from Cristiano Ronaldo in extra time for 2 – 2.
To me it was obvious that both Madrid teams were suffering the effects of the Champions League semi finals, Atlético de Madrid home and away to Chelsea and Real Madrid home and away to Bayern Munich.
The proximity of the Champions League semi final schedule, and the end of both National leagues means that those who have performed well in both, must play 4 tough matches in only 12 or 13days, and this is where the pressure tells. The officials of both leagues must surely re-examine these schedules, to allow sufficient recovery time for teams playing in these Champions League semi finals.
- interviewer
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If we examine the final stages of both leagues, who do you see as the Champions?
Firstly the Premier League. - Figo
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The teams at the bottom of the Premier League have really had a big impact on the title race with Sunderland winning at Chelsea and drawing at Manchester City, Norwich holding Chelsea to a draw, and of course the latest shock with Crystal Palace dramatically recovering from 0 – 3 down to force a draw against Liverpool.
This leaves Manchester City in the driving seat, as, following their latest home win against Aston Villa, they only have to win their final game, at home to West Ham United...not a simple match at this stage of the season.... but as I said in an earlier interview, Manager Pellegrini has a terrific squad and this has enabled City to come through a very congested end of season schedule.
I cannot see them falling at the final stage, and I see them crowned Champions on 11th May.
- interviewer
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And as we come to the close of La Liga, are we in for further shocks?
- Figo
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I think that now we have some time till the Champions League final, we can more comfortably predict the run in for the three top teams.
Real Madrid
Following their disappointing draw against Real Valladolid, Real Madrid have effectively lost a great chance of the La Liga , Copa de Rey double, as they now trail Barcelona by a point... 84 points to 85 points, and all clubs have 2 matches still to play. I think Real Madrid can win their last two, away to Celta de Vigo and at home to Espanyol, but this would see them finish with only 90 points.
Atlético de Madrid and Barcelona
I’ve linked these two because the critical match is the final one, when they play each other at the Camp Nou on 18th May. I think this will be a title decider, as they can both win their other games, Atlético at home to Malaga, and Barcelona away at Elche, which would leave them on... Atlético 91 points and Barcelona 88 points .A win for Barca would put them on 91 points, whilst a win or a draw for Atlético would guarantee them the title.
However, if they both finish on 91 points then the “Head to Head” rule comes into play.
- interviewer
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Very interesting, but how does this rule work when teams finish level on points?
- Figo
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Well in Spain, unlike the Premier League, the title is decided on the “Head to Head” matches between the two teams. In other words, how many points did each receive when they met throughout the season.
We now have only these 2 Clubs still in the title, and if Barca beat Atlético in the final match, then both they and Atletico will finish on 91 points, but Barca would win the title on the “Head to Head” rule, as their first meeting ended in a draw, so effectively Barca would have 4 points from the “Head to Head”, and Atlético only one point. However, we have seen the fighting spirit of Atlético de Madrid in the Champions League, especially against Chelsea in London, so they cannot be written off, even playing at the Camp Nou, the home of Barcelona. And if they can win, or draw, then they will be Champions.
- interviewer
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When we last discussed the semi finals of the Champions League, you felt that Chelsea and Real Madrid would go through to the Final in Lisbon on 24th May. How do you assess the two semi finals?
Firstly........Atlético de Madrid v Chelsea
- Figo
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I did say that Atlético de Madrid coach Simeone had this squad in top form, and they proved it in London against a very experienced Chelsea team, at this level. It was a superb performance by Atlético de Madrid away from home, and the team deserves full credit in reaching the Champions League Final.
How ironic it was to see Fernando Torres, the former darling of Atlético de Madrid open the scoring against his former club. At that stage everyone expected Chelsea to retreat and see out the match 1 – 0, but Atlético had different ideas, and in the second half they showed they were much the better side to run out winners 3 – 1 and reach their first Champions League Final for 40 years.
- interviewer
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Secondly....Real Madrid v Bayern Munich
- Figo
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This was indeed an intriguing semi final, with two superb attacking teams featuring some of the best players in the world, including Lahm, Schweinsteiger, Robben and Ribéry for Bayern Munich, and Ronaldo, Bale, Alonso and Benzema for Real Madrid. But I never predicted such an easy victory for Real Madrid. To win 4 – 0 in Munich must be regarded as the best performance in the Champions League this season, and the whole Real Madrid squad should be rightly proud of their performance. Any goal in a Champions League semi Final is special, but the two headers from Sergio Ramus in quick succession in the first half set the tone for the match, and meant that Bayern Munich had to chase the game. This played perfectly into the fast attacking style of Real Madrid, as shown when Bale and Ronaldo combined superbly for the 3rd Real Madrid goal.
- interviewer
-
This now gives us a final in Lisbon on 24th May of
REAL MADRID v ATLÉTICO DE MADRID
Who do you see as Champions? - Figo
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REAL MADRID
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Read Luis Figo's views on the 2014 World Cup Group Stages.
- interviewer
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Well Luis, we have finished all the European leagues and Cups, and it seems that Madrid is now the capital of European football, but now we must focus on the biggest of them all, the 2014 World Cup. Can you please give the Dafabet fans your opinion of the chances of the teams in each Group?
- Figo
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Group A
Brazil , Cameroon , Croatia , Mexico
Having won the tournament for Brazil in 2002, coach Scolari will be hoping to follow up in his homeland, and with players like Oscar and Neymar, he has the talent up front to cause problems for most sides. Cameroon also have top quality stars to watch out for in Samuel Eto'o, and Alex Song, while Croatia can parade players like Bayern Munich's Mario Mandzukic and Luka Modric from Real Madrid. Mexico will challenge strongly in the Group with Manchester United's international star Javier Hernandez expected to do well, so I favour…
Brazil to top this Group with Mexico as runners-up.
Group B
Spain , Holland , Chile ,Australia
Spain may not be the side they were for the last World Cup, but their strength in depth is impressive, with players like Pedro and Silva coming through to add to the talents of Xabi Alonso, Iniesta and Xavi. Perhaps it was something of a surprise to see coach Vicente del Bosque sticking with the experience of Fernando Torres and David Villa rather than including Fernando Llorente, who has had a very good season helping Juventus become Champions of the Italian Serie A.
Holland, beaten by Spain in the 2010 Final, will be hoping for revenge on the second day of the tournament, when they meet again in Salvador on June 13. I Holland will win this one as Spain are often slow starters within their Group. Chile will be exciting to watch, judged on their display against England earlier in the year, but I can only see the final Group results as....
Holland to top the Group with Spain as runners-up.
Group C
Colombia , Greece , Ivory Coast , Japan
This seems quite an easy qualification for Columbia, as they will parade players like Barcelona's Alexis Sanchez and Valencia's Eduardo Vargas, and particularly as their final match is against Japan in Cuiaba, where temperatures can exceed 40º. I favour Ivory Coast for the runners up spot, especially as they have players of the quality of Yaya Toure and Didier Drogba. Japan can not be underestimated as they have selected 12 payers who regularly play in Europe, like Manchester United's Kagawa, but I feel they will suffer in the heat of Brazil, so I select....
Colombia to top the Group with Ivory Coast as runners-up.
Group D
Uruguay , Costa Rica , England , Italy
This group has been called the "Group of Death" by some England supporters because they fear that their team could be eliminated at this stage, and they are right to be concerned. The first match is against Italy on June 14 in Manaus, in the middle of the Amazon jungle, where the temperature will be in the high 30's and the humidity in the high 90's. I think England can win this game, but then only 5 days later England play Uruguay, 2,000 kilometres away in Sao Paulo. Not an easy beginning to the World Cup, however, the England coach has selected a very young, very fit squad, and I'm sure this is because of his team having such a tough Group of matches. Dafabet fans must be looking forward to seeing stars like Suarez and Cavani perform for Uruguay, and Andrea Pirlo and the explosive Mario Balotelli for Italy.
England fans will be hoping that captain Steven Gerrard can motivate his young lions to contain these top strikers, and also to see his own lads like Adam Lallana, Raheem Sterling and Wayne Rooney prove they are up to "world class". A very difficult Group to predict, but I feel that....
Uruguay will top this Group with England as runners-up.
Group E
Switzerland , France , Ecuador , Honduras
Another quite tricky Group, especially for the games between Switzerland and Ecuador on 15 June, and Switzerland v France on 20 June. The French have an easy opening game against Honduras on June 15, followed by the Swiss match, before they play Ecuador on June 25. This could be a crunch match for both teams. Stars to watch out for here are Antonio Valencia and Felipe Caicedo for Ecuador, and Franck Ribery, Karem Benzema and Paul Pogba for France. However the shock of the final French squad must be that coach Didier
Deschamps has left out both Samir Nasri and Gael Clichy, who many experts felt would be included...especially as both Nasri and Clichy have had a great season with Premier League champions Manchester City, but it is said that Nasri is a fractious character, and obviously Deschamps felt he could be disruptive within the squad. I predict....
France will top this Group with Switzerland as runners-up.
Group F
Argentina , Bosnia & Herzegovina , Iran , Nigeria
This is perhaps the weakest Group in the tournament, and it should provide Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi with his best ever chance to add International glory to his magnificent success in Spain, especially when we consider he has such quality players like of Angel di Maria, Sergio Agüero, and Gonzalo Higuain to supply him.
Bosnia & Herzegovina was formed from the break-up of Yugoslavia, and their qualification will give Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko a well-earned chance to demonstrate the talent he showed with Manchester City in the Premier League. Dafabet fans should also look out for the Nigerian strikers like Shola Ameobi and Victor Moses, who will help their team finish runners up in this Group, especially as this squad will not be concerned by the hot and humid conditions.
I can only see that...
Argentina will top this Group with Nigeria as runners-up.
Group G
Germany , Portugal , Ghana , USA
I think we must recognize that Germany represents probably Europe's best chance of bringing the World Cup back from South America. They seem to always produce a strong squad, and 2014 is no exception with players like Mesut Ozil, Thomas Muller, Mario Gotze and Miroslav Klose to name just a few. And at the back they have strength in depth with Philipp Lahm, Per Mertesacker and Bastian Schweinsteiger. The first game of this Group, Germany v Portugal on June 16 will be fascinating. Pepe, Fabio Coentrao and Bruno Alves will have to contain those German forwards, but will Portugal players like Nani and Helder Postiga be able to provide the support needed for Cristiano Ronaldo to show his star quality? Ghana and the USA cannot be overlooked in this Group, and the Germany v Ghana match in the hot, humid conditions of Fortaleza on June 23 will be a true test for the stamina of the German team. Similarly when USA plays Portugal in the jungle of Manaus on June 22, it will be a survival of the fittest in such difficult conditions. Nevertheless I predict...
Germany will top this Group with Portugal as runners-up.
Group H
Belgium , Algeria , Russia , South Korea
In Belgium we have another European team which I feel could go far in this tournament, especially when we recognize the strength of their squad, with players like Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany, alongside his other Premier League defenders Thomas Vermaelen and Jan Vertonghen. They also have Faillaini, Dembélé and Manchester United kid Januzaj in midfield, plus the striking talents of Eden Hazard, Romelu Lukaku and Kevin Mirallas up front. A formidable team to challenge any other in this World Cup.
The crunch match here is the Belgium v Russia clash on June 22 in Rio de Janeiro.Neither Algeria nor South Korea can really hope to progress to the knockout stages, and this then leaves Russia, now coached by Fabio Capello, previously England's coach, to go through. Dafabet fans should watch out for the exciting young 22 year old Russian forward Alexander Kokorin from Dynamo Moscow, who many experts predict will be a star of the future. My selections are...
Belgium as Group winners with Russia as runners-up
- interviewer
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Fascinating Luis, and now who do you predict as winning the Golden Boot?
- Figo
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I thought of Messi, Ronaldo and Jo, but in the end I must go for German Striker, Miroslav Klose.
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Read Luis Figo’s views on the 2014 World Cup Group Stages
- interviewer
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Luis, as we reach the half way stage of the Group matches how do you see the positions developing, and what do you make of some of the shock results so far
Group A
Brazil, Cameroon, Croatia , Mexico - Figo
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Here it seems we will have Brazil as the top qualifiers, even though they could only draw 0 – 0 with Mexico in their second match, but the runnes-up spot is still up for grabs, awaiting the outcome of the Mexico v Croatia match on Monday 23rd. However, I still feel that…
Brazil will top this Group with Mexico as runners-up - interviewer
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Group B
Spain, Holland, Chile, Australia - Figo
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I did predict that Holland would beat Spain in their opening match, but I never thought it would be by such a margin as 5 – 1. Had David Silva scored when he had only the keeper to beat, to make it 2 – 0 for Spain in the first half, then I think we would have had a different result. Spain then fell apart against Chile in their second match, and sadly the World Cup holders are on their way home. Holland on the other hand, fought back from being behind against Australia to now have 6 points, equal with Chile, and we will have an interesting match when these two meet on Monday 23rd to see who tops the Group....because the runners-up will surely meet Brazil in the first knockout stage. I revise my original forecast to...
Holland to top the Group with Chile as runners-up - interviewer
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Group C
In Group C you predicted that Columbia would top the Group and that seems to be the way things are working out. - Figo
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Yes I can see no reason to change my original prediction for
Colombia to top the Group with Ivory Coast as runners-up - interviewer
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Group D
Uruguay, Costa Rica, England, Italy - Figo
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The fear of the England supporters that this could be the “Group of Death” has certainly been the case for their team.
Yes, successive defeats by Italy and Uruguay mean that they too are now going home after failing to get out of this Group. Italy were very impressive against England with Andrea Pirlo controlling the mid-field, and then in the second match Luis Suarez showed how a world class striker can win for his team. Following the shock 1-0 win for Costa Rica over Italy on Friday, we now have the situation few would have predicted, with Costa Rica qualified for the Final knockout stage. At this point it is difficult to determine who will join them and in what order, and all will depend on the final matches on Tuesday 24th June when England play Costa Rica, and Italy face Uruguay.
My revised finishing positions are now...
Uruguay to top this Group with Costa Rica as runners-up - interviewer
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Group E
Switzerland, France, Ecuador, Honduras - Figo
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As we suspected, France comfortably won their opening fixture against Honduras, and Switzerland came from behind to beat Ecuador. Following their latest 5–2 win against Switzerland, France are in the driving seat in the Group, and I stick by my original prediction of...
France to top this Group with Switzerland as runners-up - interviewer
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Group F
Argentina, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Iran, Nigeria - Figo
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Argentina just scraped a 2 – 1 win over Bosnia & Herzegovina, while Iran and Nigeria fought out a goalless draw. However, I was impressed with Bosnia, and I feel they can provide a shock in both their next two matches against Nigeria and Iran. So I change my qualifiers to...
Argentina to top this Group with Bosnia & Herzegovina as runners-up - interviewer
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Group G
Germany , Portugal, Ghana, USA - Figo
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Germany looked very impressive with a 4 – 0 win over Portugal, but the red card given to Pepe was in my opinión very harsh, and with only 10 men Portugal could never hold the Germans, especially Muller, who scored the first hat-trick of this World Cup. USA secured a good 2 – 1 win over Ghana, so a lot will now depend on the Portugal v USA match on Sunday 22nd to see who progresses with Germany.
I still see the Group qualifiers as...
Germany to top this Group with Portugal as runners-up - interviewer
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Group H
Belgium, Algeria, Russia, South Korea - Figo
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Belgium predictably beat Algeria 2 - 1 in their opening match and Russia and South Korea fought out a 1- 1 draw. The Belgium v Russia match on Sunday 22nd will be interesting to see who can top the Group, but I still stay with my original prediction of...
Belgium as Group winners with Russia as runners-up
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Read Luis Figo’s views on the 2014 World Cup Knockout Stage
- interviewer
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FRANCE v NIGERIA
- Figo
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France are now regarded as one of the favourites and they seem to be coming together as a team. Nigeria are one of the surprises of the tournament, although very unpredictable. I think this could be a tight match with the French winning...
1 - 0 - interviewer
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GERMANY v ALGERIA
- Figo
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Personally I think the German team could go all the way to the final, and Algeria surprised even themselves by reaching the last 16. The German team should win this one quite comfortably. I predict a victory....
2 - 0 - interviewer
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ARGENTINA v SWITZERLAND
- Figo
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Argentina are winning from Messi, but they are not yet playing like a team, and they seem very vulnerable at the back. The Swiss forward Shaqiri has certainly hit form, and he seems very fit, especially the way he scored his hat-trick. We could see a surprise result here, and I think it could well go to a penalty shootout. I see the score at 90 minutes as....
1 - 1 - interviewer
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BELGIUM v USA
- Figo
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Belgium have some top players, but again they need to gel as a team if they are to challenge for the title. USA are improving with each game, but I cannot see them overcoming Belgium in this one. I think we will have a victory for Belgium....
2 -1
Mon 30th June
Tues 1 July
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Read Luis Figo’s Views on the 2014 World Cup Quarter Finals
- interviewer
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Luis Figo,
Many of the teams seem to be taking a very cautious approach to these games, with the emphasis being on defence, and preventing the opposition from scoring. I see the same pattern emerging in all of these quarter finals. - Figo
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BRAZIL v COLUMBIA (SCORE at 90 mins: 1 – 1)
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Columbia has been one of the surprise teams of the tournament, and I can see their fantastic journey continuing. Brazil are as always playing with more heart than quality, and for this reason I feel we will see this match going to extra time, for another great performance by Columbia to win 2 -1
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FRANCE v GERMANY (SCORE: 1 – 2)
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This should be a very good game to watch, between two top European teams. France have had a solid tournament so far, but I think the German “machine” is beginning to click into gear, and with goal scorers like Thomas Mueller and Mario Gotze in the team I can see the Germans winning 2 – 1 in normal time.
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HOLLAND v COSTA RICA (SCORE: 2 – 0)
- interviewer
- Figo
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Costa Rica is probably the shock team of the tournament so far, but now they have to face a Holland team, which is one of the quickest and most skilful, although they were fortunate to beat Mexico, with a very poor decision by the referee to award a penalty for what I saw as a “dive” by Arjen Robben. It was a pity that such a decision denied Mexico, as they were the better team for 88 minutes of that match.
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Nevertheless, I think the pace of the Dutch will be too much for Costa Rica, and I can see Holland winning in normal time 2 – 0
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ARGENTINA v BELGIUM (SCORE at 90 mins: 1 – 1)
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This Belgium team is full of talent, from the starting eleven, right through to the replacements on the bench, and this was evident against USA, when they could bring on Lukaku to add pace and strength to their attack during extra time. Argentina are still performing as individuals, featuring Messi and Di Maria, but they are not coming together as a team. I think we will have 120 minutes of cautious football ending in 1 – 1 after extra time, and then Belgium winning on penalties.
Friday 4th July
Saturday 5th July
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Read Luis Figo’s View on the 2014 World Cup Semi-finals
- interviewer
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The quarter finals were very close matches, and we must congratulate the teams leaving. France only beaten by a Hummels back header and Columbia, who had a great tournament till they were overcome by Brazil with a superb free kick from David Luiz sealing a 2-1 victory. Belgium who just failed to peg back Argentina and of course gallant Costa Rica, who lost on penalties to Holland.
So now we have two fascinating semi-finals...firstly on Tuesday...
BRAZIL v GERMANY - Figo
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Here I think we will see some Brazilian flair versus German organisation and efficiency. Brazil hope to be carried through on a wave of National pride but I feel Germany can win this close match 2-1. Then on Wednesday we have another South American/European clash.
- interviewer
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ARGENTINA v HOLLAND
- Figo
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Here we have the two best strikers in the tournament in Messi and Robben, and whichever one performs best on the day will see his team go through to the final. I can see Holland winning 2-1 to set up an all European Final.
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Read Luis Figo's View on the 2014 World Cup Final
- interviewer
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Well Luis we have seen two remarkably different semi-finals. One with a multitude of goals and the other a rather drab affair which was only resolved by a penalty shootout.
- Figo
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Yes, the Germany v Brazil match was a great spectacle… if you are German…but absolute agony for over 200 million Brazilians. It was especially painful for those Brazilian supporters at the stadium, as we could see floods of tears on thousands of faces. A defeat can surely happen in the World Cup, but to be thrashed 7-1 was humiliating for such a proud football nation as Brazil. However, as I said earlier in the tournament, I have not been impressed by this Brazilian team and against a superb German performance, they were completely exposed, and duly knocked out of the Cup.
By contrast, the other semi-final was a drab affair, with Messi being neutralized, and both Robben and Van Persie having totally off days. This time it was the Dutch who failed at the penalty shootout, with misses by Vlaar and Sneijder. - interviewer
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And now we move on to the final two games of the tournament...firstly the 3rd place match between Brazil and Holland.
- Figo
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I think the Brazilians must still be shattered after that defeat by Germany, and they must struggle to lift themselves for this poor consolation play-off match. Similarly, the Dutch team have had an enormous disappointment, to play 120 minutes in the semi-final, stopping the best player in the World, only to lose in the penalty shootout.
I see this result as a Holland 2-1 win
The final is another matter, with the German squad looking stronger as the tournament has gone on, while Argentina have not really impressed, expect for occasional glimpses of the genius that is Lionel Messi. This game will largely depend on who can dominate the midfield, and if the Germans can achieve this like they did against Brazil, then they will surely succeed and come off as Champions. But we can never dismiss the Messi factor, and if he can find a little space near the German box, then he can be a match winner. The last times these two teams met in a World Cup final was in the successive tournaments of 1986, when Argentina won 3-2, and then again in 1990 when Germany won 1-0. And that was the last time either won the World Cup.
Here in 2014, I feel Germany will be World Cup Champions winning 2-1.