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Hunt Backs Argentina To Win World Cup

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SuperSport United coach Gavin Hunt has tipped Argentina to win the FIFA World Cup against France at Lusail Iconic Stadium later today (17:00).

Argentina is gunning to win their first World Cup since 1986 when Diego Maradona was the star of the show in Mexico, beating Germany 3-2 in the final.   

That second World Cup trophy came eight years after Argentina, led by star player Mario Kempes, won FIFA’s holy grail in 1978 when they beat the Netherlands 3-1 in extra-time. Kempes was the star of the show as he scored twice on that occasion.    

After the late Maradona won it in 1986, Argentina went to another final in the 1990, but West Germany got the revenge as they won the competition in Italy, leaving Maradona in tears.

The South American side are in their fourth World Cup finals, having also lost it in 2014 to Germany in Brazil thanks to an injury-time goal by Mario Gotze.

As this game will be the last for Lionel Messi at World Cup level, many are craving to see the little magician, who has had a sterling tournament with five goals and three assists, to lift the trophy and be counted as one of the greatest footballers of all time.

“I said Argentina (but) we had no chance at first (after losing to Saudi Arabia in the first match of the group stages),” said Hunt.

While Hunt at first was concerned at the loss to the Saudis, he has posted a series of messages on twitter, saying: “Argentina to win it, to win the whole thing. Messi, Messi, Messi (with a goat emoji).”

But he quickly confused the enemy, hailing Antoine Griezmann in that diamond shaped front four with Kylian Mbappe, Olilvier Giroud and Osmane Dembele up top.

“Griezmann, as striker 10 (clapping emojis), too good.”

This after Griezmann swung in two assists when France beat England 2-1 in the quarter-finals in what was a tight game. Griezmann is amongst the players who are tipped to claim the Golden Ball award, the trophy awarded to the Player of the Tournament.    

However, Hunt said the final will be very tight and might be decided by set-plays.

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That is the strongest area of Hunt’s game in winning four league titles, three with SuperSport in his first stint and one with Bidvest Wits. When he won those trophies, he was relying on Daine Klate and Jabu Maleleke, who were clinical from set plays, while Bongani Khumalo and Morgan Gould were deadly in meeting crosses via corners or free-kicks.

At Wits, he relied on Thulani Hlatshwayo and Buhle Mkhwanazi, who were also deadly from dead balls swung in viciously.    

“The World Cup final will be won via set-play,” said Hunt.

“Mark my words. I think it will be penalties or a corner or a free kick, or something.” 

Source Link Hunt Backs Argentina To Win World Cup

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