Scholes, Cole: Brazil to rule World Cup

Video by INQUIRER.net’s Ryan Leagogo

HAVING played at the highest level of the sport, Manchester United legends Paul Scholes and Andy Cole know a strong team when they see one.

And they think Brazil, with its star-studded roster, and Argentina have all the tools to claim the World Cup when the tournament rolls off next week in Brazil.

Brazil last won the World Cup in 2002, before European sides Italy and Spain captured the sport’s most important trophy in 2006 and 2010, respectively

But with the tournament held in South America this year, Scholes and Cole tip a team from the continent to go all the way.

“I think a South American team will win it. I have fancied Brazil (to win it) for the last year or so,” Scholes told select reporters Friday on the eve of the Clear Dream Match where he and Cole are playing.

“I’m not sure if they have a center forward who can score a lot of goals and they would have to rely on Neymar but he’s definitely capable of doing it.”

Scholes played in the 1998 and 2002 World Cup for England, which he represented 66 times, scoring 14 goals.

Argentina is also a favorite because of its firepower particularly with an attack line led by Lionel Messi.

“They could score a lot,” said Scholes.

Cole said the conditions in South America “would make it difficult for a European team to win over there.”

“Being in South America I’m going to tip Brazil and also them being the home team,” said Cole who played for England 15 times. “Argentina is also strong.”

But Cole said it is also difficult to write off European teams particularly Germany which has a good record in tournaments.

As much as they would want England to go all the way, Scholes said their country has to survive a tough group first.

“Beating Uruguay and Costa Rica in South America is going to be tough,” said Scholes.