Former World Cup-winner (1998) Bixente Lizarazu, in Delhi to promote the FC Bayern Youth Cup 2017-18, backed France to win the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
“France has the potential to win the FIFA World Cup, and if not, reach the top four for sure. Fans are really looking forward to a phenomenal football extravaganza with so many excellent footballers ready to show their best game,” said the French footballer and FC Bayern Hall of Famer.
Lizarazu, who has won the Bundesliga, DFB Cups, the Intercontinental Cup and the Champions League in 2001, praised the work of former captain Didier Deschamps with the national team. “He is doing a great job with the team qualifying for the quarterfinals in Brazil and reaching the Euro 2016 finals. We look forward to him taking the team to the final this year, and maybe winning the title.”
Lizarazu was confident of FC Bayern’s chances in this season’s Champions League. “FC Bayern has full potential to win the Champions League. However, there are other top teams — Barcelona, PSG, Real Madrid, and Manchester City in the fray.”
Lizarazu praised FC Bayern and Adidas’ initiative for the FC Bayern Youth Cup to promote grassroot football in India. “I think it is a great initiative and good concept. FC Bayern has been organising the Youth Cup in many countries like India, China, Thailand and Singapore, among others. It is a very good opportunity for young talent to showcase their skills and also win an opportunity to play the World Finals at the Allianz Arena in Munich and get trained by the best. The tournament enables us to scout the top players from select countries.”
Speaking about football in India, the French star said, “I can imagine football to be the most popular sport in India, with such talent and passion for the game. I am sure they will have a great national team soon and qualify for the World Cup, and become tough opponents for others.”
