With the semifinals cast of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia set and the biggest football tournament to end six days from now, the question on everyone’s mind is, who will lift the gold trophy, otherwise known as the FIFA World Cup trophy on July 15.
Will it end with either England or France clinching their second World Cup title or will Belgium or Croatia bag their first gold trophy.
France and Belgium will be the first ones to contest one of the finals ticket early at 2 a.m. on July 11 (Philippine time) while England will face Croatia for the remaining finals ticket on July 12, also at 2 a.m.
Cebu Daily News asked some of the members of the Cebu football community and France seems to be the hands down winner followed by England.
Allan Medalle, the head coach of the 5-time CESAFI collegiate champion and reigning PRISAA regional and national champion University of San Carlos (USC), is putting his eye on no one else but France.
“France, strong, balanced individual strengths maximized by the coach. My only team in the World Cup,” Medalle said.
Jinggoy Roa, head coach of the St. Theresa’s College futsal team, said he thinks it will be the winner between Belgium and France but that he favors France more. “These two teams are strong and balanced but I am leaning more towards France because of the wonder kid, Mbappe (Kylian). France has a very strong attacking line, a creative and talented midfield and a very intelligent defensive line. Belgium is a strong team but their weaknesses were exposed by Japan but was not taken advantage of by Brazil.”
Also banking on France is match assessor Archie Reyes, who said “France…young guns…fast as lighting,” although he admits that Belgium is also a strong contender. “But with the top 4 left, it is hard to predict.”
According to Reyes, the 2018 World Cup is all about the VAR (video assistant referee), players diving, goalkeeper saves and goals scored via headers. “Just because there is now a replay, they want to replay everything which consumes all the time.”
Chad Songalia, a member of the Don Bosco United Football Club, also has France in his thoughts. “I think France has a good chance of winning it but I would love it if Belgium or Croatia won.”
USC Ladies head coach Apol Barinan is also rooting for France. “They’re younger, very fast and have a strong front with Pogba, Griezmann and Mbappe. They can really go up and down in attacking and defending.”
England though also has some believers in Cebu Football Association Vice President Rico Navarro and Leylam FC head coach Oliver Colina.
“England. Fate and history seems to be on their side,” said Navarro while Colina quipped “I think, England, coz before the World Cup, they changed their grassroots program and youth system. If you noticed, they won the U17 World Cup and U20 World Cup. So, they’re also using the young ones who have good understanding of football.”
Colina is currently in Manila taking part in the phase 2 of the AFC A license course.
Belgium is not without a believer as Abellana National School (ANS) head coach and Cebu City DepEd Sports Coordinator Francis Ramirez is pinning his hopes on them.
“Belgium, well organized attack and compact in defense. Maturity of the players helps the team a lot in their game.”
His fellow ANS coach, Danny Ramos, however, would rather not name any of the top 4. “No prediction, for me it will be whoever wins it. Ball is round always.”