Newslaundry Podcast

This week’s Just Sports is all about the World Cup and football madness. Both Samar Khan and Rahul Puri feel this World Cup is quite different because don’t have Netherlands, US, Chile and Italy playing. Rahul thinks the “number of countries in the category of 'can win it' has been reduced by two”. Clearly, this World Cup is not about the old favourites.Samar says: “It’s quite an open World Cup with many teams. The bookmakers favourite is Brazil with Neymar, Coutinho and Gabriel Jesus. Brazil is the perennial favourite. But you cannot write off anyone this time. There is Germany, there is France.” Rahul agrees. He thinks the World Cup is quite open.Talking about Brazil, Rahul thinks it’s a “great offensive force” but he is sceptical that they would “play the most exciting football”. He thinks France is the most balanced side to watch out for. Rahul seems to agree: “They are a superb side, they have got goals, they have defensive solidity, midfield organisation and quality.”  But Rahul seems a little more scep