Saipan World Cup fans’ picks and favorites

Today, the battle for the coveted golden trophy will begin in Russia. Fans will watch the 32 nations slug it out in the FIFA World Cup 2018 and cheer for their favorite teams. On Saipan, soccer followers will wake up in the wee hours of morning or stay up late to catch action in the biggest tournament of the year.

Will Germany win anew, will Brazil and Spain bounce back from the painful loss four years ago, or will Lionel Messi and Ronaldo finally get the elusive World Cup win that would complete their legendary career?

We will have to wait for a month to find the answers, but for the meantime, let’s get insights on the World Cup from our soccer players and officials.

“My favorite team is Spain, but I think Germany will defend the title this year. Unlike other top teams with superstars, Germany always has a ‘TEAM’ without any superstar. It was not easy for them to do well in Brazil/South America 4 years ago, and playing in nearby neighbor, Russia, this year should give them slight advantage over Argentina and Brazil. I also expect France and Belgium to do well.
Jerry Tan, NMIFA president

“I’ll go for Spain. In the last World Cup they went out after the group stage because most of their players played UEFA Champions League final 2014 right before Brazil World Cup and they were in a very bad physical conditions. This time, players conditions are very good and new coach Julen Ropetigui’s squad continued winning 20 matches since 2016.
Michiteru Mita, NMIFA technical director

“My favorite team is Nigeria, but I think France will win the World Cup. The team did a good transition from the last generation to current young generation. Plus they have a lot of talented players on every position.
Jonathan Takano, CNMI Men’s National Team captain

“Germany. The team rely neither on unnecessary territorial possession, dedication to defending nor any obvious physicality, but are able to resist and overcome the best opponents by doing the simple things excellently. They will win the ball and play straight through the middle in a fast counterattack, or push it out to the wing, advance to the opposition area and finish the inevitable cross or cut-back. Nothing was complicated. The depth in that squad is extraordinary. Imagine leaving out Leroy Sane! It’s tough to win it back-to-back and it’s not been done since Brazil in 1958 and 1962. But they know how to get over the line. There’s no denying that defending champions Germany are the world’s strongest side.
Norman Del Rosario, MP United Football Club coach

“My favorite team is Spain, but I think Argentina will win because of Lionel Messi.”
Rodwealth Espana, CNMI Men’s National Team pool member

“My favorite team is Australia. One of my favorite players is the superstar in that team—Tim Cahill. It’ll be a hard journey to the top but I personally believe that Australia has a big chance to make it to the top. They have been practicing this past four years for this event and it should pay off soon!”
Louie Calayag, CNMI Men’s National Team pool member

“Iceland is my favorite team in this year’s World Cup because of the accomplishments they’ve achieved as a small nation. Everybody loves an underdog. Not only does the team amaze me, but the fans as well with the ‘Thunder Clap’. For me, there’s really no obvious favorite to win in this World Cup; Spain, France, Belgium each have a strong team, Argentina has Messi, and Portugal has Ronaldo. Reigning champions Germany have a great chance too, but it’s very difficult to win back-to-back. I think Brazil will win this year’s World Cup. They have Neymar, who is performing at his peak, and other players backing him up, such as Philippe Coutinho, Gabriel Jesus, and Roberto Firmino. I feel the Brazil team is determined to erase the memories of the nightmare they had against Germany. I’m speaking it into existence that Brazill will win their sixth World Cup in Russia, so long as Neymar doesn’t get injured.
Ryan Relucio, CNMI Men’s National Team pool member

“My favorite team is Brazil because they are a well-rounded team with great chemistry. I also think Brazil would win the World Cup because they deserved to win it due to the last World Cup semifinals. They lost because of tragic events that occurred which caused some players getting severely injured. Now, I think they could win and make sure that the world will know that they are the best.
Gillian Villagomez, CNMI Women’s National Team pool member

“My favorite team in the World Cup is Germany. Although they have no particular star players, I feel that all the players worked hard in becoming a ‘star team.’ I also feel that they will win this year’s World Cup due to their performance in the previous years. On the pitch, each player works as hard just as the other, passing the ball to one another, making plays, and scoring goals. They show teamwork, fair play, effort, and the eagerness to win.”
Mia Carreon, CNMI Women’s National Team pool member

“I will go for Brazil because all I know is they have a strong defense and good chemistry.”
Theresa Toves, Kanoa Football Club goalkeeper

“Brazil as always. They have the strongest squad and most experienced players. Plus they are hungrier to win this year after their big loss last WC.”
Jershwin Angeles, CNMI Men’s National Team assistant coach