Roy Keane has named France and Argentina as his two favourites to win the World Cup, confidently predicting they will meet in the final on July 19 in New Jersey. The former Manchester United captain shared his analysis on ITV, highlighting the attacking prowess of both teams.
Keane's prediction
“The French attacking players are as good as any,” Keane said. “But then we saw that with Brazil. We’ve seen it with England’s main lads turning up against Panama. Probably France have got, obviously, more in numbers. But then again, listen, I think Argentina (do as well). I think Argentina and France are the teams that have the players and the good options. There’d be no surprise if they end up meeting in the final. I’d be surprised if they don’t meet in the final.”
Keane’s forecast comes as the knockout stage is underway. Co-hosts Canada became the first side to reach the last 16 with a 1-0 victory over South Africa. Brazil edged past Japan thanks to Gabriel Martinelli’s last-gasp winner, while Paraguay and Morocco advanced on penalties, eliminating Germany and the Netherlands respectively.
England's path
England begin their knockout campaign on Wednesday against DR Congo in Atlanta. Thomas Tuchel’s side, coming off a 2-0 win over Panama in their final group match, will look to build momentum. However, Keane does not expect the Three Lions to reach the final.
Postecoglou and Richards weigh in
Former Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou echoed Keane’s sentiment about France. “Just to put everyone at ease about England’s chances, even in France they’re not happy with the national team. No one is ever happy with their national team. There’s always areas to improve. But I’ve been impressed, because the thing with France for me is, I look at their front five, six, any combination of that, are just absolutely world-class and elite.”
Former England defender Micah Richards also backed France as his new favourites, despite initially picking Spain. Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, Richards said: “I said Spain would win the World Cup, but I’m telling you now, France. I don’t know what it is about them, but when the tempo needs to be risen a little bit, their electric pace on the counterattack, I’ve not seen that at the tournament. I’ve seen teams play well, I’ve seen teams be organised, in the low-block. Argentina are playing for Messi, Morocco look strong, England looked really good against Croatia in that second, but a team that can turn it on – I’ve not seen a team like France. So I think they are now my favourites.”
Upcoming matches
France face Sweden in the round of 32 on Tuesday in New York, with a likely last-16 clash against Paraguay. Argentina take on tournament debutants Cape Verde in their first knockout match.
