In the early morning of April 2, Beijing time, the group draw ceremony of the 2022 Qatar World Cup finals was held. After the top 32 were placed, many team managers, players and football celebrities expressed their views on the results of the draw. Let's take a look!
German coach Frick: It's not an easy grouping, but we have a lot of expectations for this tournament, so we have to face it. The Japanese team has been participating in the World Cup and there are a lot of players who play in the Bundesliga, and the level is very high. In fact, all teams are improving and have their own characteristics. But I believe that as long as we play normally, we can qualify.
Spain coach Enrique: We will face Germany, the rest of the opponents I don't know very well, we still have time to analyze. Germany is strong and the stats have improved since the new manager took office, but we are Spain, a team that aims to win the championship. It's hard for other teams to beat us. But in my experience, no ball in the big game is easy.
Qatar World Cup group draw scene. Image source: Xinhua News Agency
Japanese coach Hoichi Mori: The teams that can participate in the World Cup are very strong, and it is a pleasure to be in the same group as Spain and Germany, all of whom have won the World Cup. Our goal is to reach the top 8 and even go further. Although the opponents in the same group are strong, this goal will not change.
South Korea coach Paul Bento: Son Heung-min doesn't need to feel pressure to play against Ronaldo, he doesn't need to play directly against Ronaldo, football is an 11-man game against 11-man, we will play as a whole, that's the most important thing. There is no doubt that we will perform as well as possible against Portugal. Although Portugal is my home country, I am now the coach of the Korean team and I think I will make some different preparations.
French Captain Lowry: It's a bit subtle, we had to wait until the end of the intercontinental play-offs to know the last opponent. However, when you look at the situation of other groups, you will feel that the results of the lottery may be more difficult. There are no easy games in the World Cup finals and we have to be very humble to play every game well.
Argentine football star Zanetti: We played in a good order. It's important to win the first game (against Saudi Arabia). The current Argentine team is very united, after winning the Copa America last year, everyone is very satisfied, especially Messi is also very happy, which is important for the team to achieve good results.
England football star Alan Shearer: Southgate (England manager) will definitely be happy with the result of the draw, he will think it may be much more difficult than what actually happened. He will be happy about it and I'm sure his players will do the same. When you look at Iran and the United States, you think, well, England, but if it's Scotland or Wales (a potential play-off qualifier team), it's going to be a little tougher.
Italian football star Bergomi: Combined with the group situation, I am optimistic about France and Brazil. France were favourites to win at last year's European Championships, but a lot of things happened in that tournament. I still believe in their quality, especially the depth of the squad, and they also have Mbappe, who is probably the strongest and most recognized player in the world at the moment. But when you predict a World Cup, you don't exclude Brazil from the favourites to win the title anyway.