Franz Beckenbauer tips Germany to challenge Brazil
German legend and former boss Franz Beckenbauer is adamant only the seasoned Germans can truly pose an acceptable challenge to Brazil as they prepare for yet another FIFA World Cup with the favorites tag.
The German, known for his majestic style of defending that earned him the nickname ‘Der Kaiser’ during his playing days, is one of only two men, the other being Brazilian legend Mario Zagallo, to win the FIFA World Cup both as a player and a coach.
And the Bayern Munich boss believes that if Brazil can play anywhere near the level they showed at the FIFA Confederations Cup in 2013, no team in the world can stop them from lifting their sixth world title.
He said that he saw Brazil playing in a devastating fashion at last year’s Confederations Cup and he believes they will be doing the same at the World Cup as well. Speaking to an Indian newspaper, Franz Beckenbauer said that only Germany can pose a serious challenge for the Brazilians.
Kaiser also added that he knows that the teams that have won the Confederations Cup have not been able to win the World Cup over the years and in that respect, Brazil will have some problems. But on the other hand, this is not a sure shot thing and Brazil will definitely start as favorites.
Both Germany and Brazil have reached the finals of the World Cup a record seven times but while the Selecao have won the trophy five times, Germany have just three.
Franz Beckenbauer says that Germany has a team that can produce the goods it requires to win the World Cup. The team boasts of brilliant talents but the absence of Marco Reus from the team will hurt the team immensely as they look to secure the fourth crown.