Former Real Madrid and Brazil striker Ronaldo says he cannot support his country’s great sporting rivals Argentina in the World Cup, and instead believes France are “big favourites” to retain their title.
Lionel Messi may have one more chance to win the only major trophy he lacks, but Ronaldo will not be rooting for La Albiceleste in Tuesday’s semifinal against Croatia.
“I’m not going to be a hypocrite and say I’ll be happy for Argentina if they win the World Cup. 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 told 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 both goals against Germany in the 2002 World Cup final, believes France will defeat surprise semifinalists Morocco on Wednesday. The two-time Ballon d’Or winner said although he would like Morocco to beat Les Bleus, but he doesn’t think they will, citing that Didier Deschamps‘ team is very solid whether it be in defence, attack or midfield.
The former star added he has been impressed by Kylian Mbappe’s performance, who is currently leading the scoring charts in Qatar. Ronaldo further said that he expects the 23-year-old to shatter numerous records.
Earlier, tournament favourites Brazil were eliminated from the World Cup after losing 4-2 on penalties to Croatia in the quarterfinals. After the end of normal time, the game finished scoreless. Then in the first half of extra time, superstar Neymar Jr equalled Pele’s Brazil scoring record with his 77th international goal, giving his team the lead at the Education City Stadium. However, with only four minutes remaining, Bruno Petkovic equalised, and the game ended 1-1 after extra time.
