FRANCE is only one win away from defending their title at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar. It would be a historical feat, as only two nations have managed to win back-to-back titles at the tournament since its inception in 1930: Italy in 1938 and Brazil in 1962.
Brazil came close again in 1998 but fell to Zinedine Zidane’s France in a final still shrouded in mystery over Ronaldo’s state of health that day. The only other reigning champion to even make it to the final since 1962 was Diego Maradona’s Argentina in 1990. It took a brutally efficient German team and a penalty converted by Andreas Brehme to deny Maradona the ultimate triumph in the country that shaped his career.
Back in the present, France will face off with Argentina in the final, so they will need all the luck they can get, especially since the numbers are not in their favour, according to Statista:
On another note, giant killer Japan – they slayed Germany and Spain at the 2022 World Cup – are now setting their sights on becoming world champions in 2050. This is not just a pipe dream. This aim is part of the Japanese Football Association’s road map for world football domination. The JFA set the ball rolling in 2005 for its deeply thought-out project, and their performance in Qatar showed that they are well on track to reaching their ambition.
Malaysia too harbours dreams of becoming world champions, but first we need to qualify for the tournament. When do you think Malaysia will make it to the FIFA World Cup? Or will it only be in our dreams? – Agencies
When will Malaysia qualify for the FIFA World Cup? Tell us what you think in this online poll: https://digitalservices.survey.fm/world-cup-dreams
When can Malaysian football fans support their team at the FIFA World Cup? – KAMARUL ARIFFIN/The Star
