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Football fans born in the 1970s usually support Argentina in the FIFA World Cup as being a teenager they witnessed Diego Maradona single-handedly win the 1986 edition.
On such follower of Argentina is Shillong Lajong coach Thangboi Singto, who was only 12 years old when Maradona staked a claim to be the greatest footballer by producing some super-human efforts in Mexico.
“My earliest memories of the World Cup revolve around Diego Maradona. He was dribbling around players with the ball glued to his feet in the 1986 edition. The best moment was when he dribbled past uncountable English players and scored one of the greatest goals. What a goal by the greatest player ever,” Singto told Sportskeeda during an exclusive chat.
So Singto has given his verdict of Maradona being the greatest but interestingly he follows Brazil too in the World Cup because of his respect for Pele.
“Argentina, because of Maradona, whom I consider the greatest ever footballer and Brazil because of Pele and the craze & passion that Brazilians have for football, which is unmatched in the world,” he stated.
Although Singto will be hoping for either of the two South American giants to be crowned champions on July 13, the Lajong tactician believes the Selecao are the favourites and like many he picked Belgium to be the dark horse.
“The favourite is Brazil as they have strength in all positions plus a World Cup winning coach. Then there is the home support as well and they have a good home record.
“I consider Belgium as the dark horse simply because they have so many quality players from the EPL and on their day they can beat any team,” he said.
There are plenty of tricky groups but Singto chose Group D comprising Uruguay, Italy, England and Costa Rica as the group of death.
“For me the group of death is D because Uruguay, England and Italy are former champions and all three teams have the depth and quality to do well this year. Unfortunately one out of three will be out after the group phase,” Singto opined.
Singto will also keep a close eye on the performances of Asian countries and believes the continent’s champion Japan have the best chance of doing well in the competition.
“I believe Japan with players playing all over Europe and with an experienced coach in Alberto Zaccheroni look the best bet for us Asians,” said Singto, who was recently on a trip to Japan for the AFC Pro license course.
Shifting focus to individuals, Singto picked Barcelona’s Lionel Messi and Neymar for the two big accolades but thinks the Brazilian will have a more successful World Cup.
“It is difficult to choose Golden Ball and Golden Boot winners but I will vote for Messi and Neymar respectively. Of the three (Messi, Neymar, CR7), I think Neymar will have the best tournament,” he concluded.
