Rivaldo

Rivaldo Exclusive: Brazil can end 20 year wait at World Cup in Qatar

  • Rivaldo
  • Published on
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  • 3:00 min read
Rivaldo and the World Cup
Rivaldo knows what it's like to win the World Cup

"Brazil can reach the final in Qatar and win the World Cup for the first time since I was playing for them 20 years ago..."

Brazil haven't won the World Cup since Betfair Ambassador Rivaldo played a key role in 2002 but, ahead of the draw for the group stage at Qatar 2022, our man backs Tite's team to end the wait...

Brazil ended their World Cup qualifying campaign in great style with two big wins and, in the process, set a points record in the South American section. They went through qualifying unbeaten for the first time in history.

Of course, this is a confidence boost for the team, despite the World Cup finals being a different challenge to qualifying.

I'm confident that Brazil can reach the final in Qatar and win the World Cup for the first time since I was playing for them 20 years ago. For me, Brazil are deserved favourites to lift the trophy.

But the team must avoid becoming over-confident. Back in 2002, Argentina had a fantastic qualifying campaign but were knocked in the group phase - after England beat them - so that's a reminder that an excellent qualifying campaign can mean nothing.

Brazil must face every match with maximum seriousness to be able to celebrate in the end with a great conquest.

Maguire is great player and will overcome difficulties

The English centre-back Harry Maguire is going through a tough week after being booed by Englans fans at Wembley, but all the great players have to deal with this in their careers.

When the fans recognize your qualities they always expect greatness from you and when you are going through a not so good phase it might happen that you are booed.

I came in for criticism when I played for Palmeiras, Corinthians and Barcelona. People always expect great football from players but we cannot play perfectly every week.

But I'm sure Maguire will overcome this phase since he is a great centre-back with a lot of quality and soon will recover his confidence on club and national team in time to help them in all competitions.

Harry Maguire celebrates 1280.jpg

He is a player with strong personality and when you have that kind of character, you can overcome tough situations like this.

Chelsea v Real Madrid can be Champions League classic

The Champions League returns next week and I'm excited to watch Chelsea facing Real Madrid since it looks likely to be the more open and exciting clash of the round.

Real Madrid are the most successful team in the tournament's history and Chelsea are the holder, so it should be a great tie with both teams having solid chances of qualifying.

Yes, Man City v Atletico Madrid could also be interesting, but Pep Guardiola's team are stronger than the Colchoneros, even though Diego Simeone is the master of setting up his teams and tactics for this kind of tie.

City are the team to beat - and worthy outright favourites - in the Champions League this season and, if they are at their best, they will eliminate Atletico without too much trouble.

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