Jordanians split on World Cup favourites

AMMAN –– Most Jordanians present Brazil and Argentina as favourites to clinch this year’s World Cup.

The 2014 football World Cup kicks off in Brazil today, with the host playing Croatia at 11pm Amman time. The tournament concludes on July 13.

Ramadan Haswa, a 22-year-old university student, believes Brazil will win this year’s competition because the contest is held on its turf.

“The hosts will take advantage of the atmosphere in their country and will definitely win the title. Their fans breathe football,” he told The Jordan Times.

Jeryes Tadros, former Faisali striker, agrees, saying that the fact that Brazil hosts the competition will give an extra push to its team, which will most likely win the World Cup.

Firas Manaseer, a father of two in his 30s, said either Argentina or Brazil will win this year’s title. The reason, he said, is that no European team managed to win the World Cup on that continent.

“Weather conditions will also have a negative impact on the performance of the participating European teams. I think one of the two giant teams, Brazil and Argentina, is going to make it this year,” he added.

Zaid Haidar, a private company salesman, disagreed, saying that neither Brazil nor Argentina has experienced players like Germany or Spain.

“Germany and Spain are favourites because they are the toughest teams in the competition,” he stressed.

Adel Abureida, a big fan of the German team, said Germany, which has not won any major title since 1996, has a big chance to win the title.

“The German squad participated in two important competitions: 2010 World Cup and 2012 Euro. This experience will give the team advantage and will help Germany beat everyone and clinch the title,” he added.

Ahmad Eid agrees with none. He expects Chile to win the title.

“During the recent friendlies, Chile beat everyone. They have the most impressive squad in their history,” he said.