Qatar 2022
Oman football legend Ali Al Habsi is tipping Argentina to win a third FIFA World Cup™ title in Qatar.
The former goalkeeper, who turned out for English clubs Bolton Wanderers, Wigan Athletic, Brighton & Hove Albion and West Bromwich Albion, recently gave his World Cup predictions to the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (see gallery below for full details). The 40-year-old sees La Albiceleste defeating Germany in the final at the Lusail Stadium on 18 December.
Al Habsi, who became the first Arab player to win the FA Cup in 2013, is expecting a strong showing from the usual contenders and believes three African teams will reach the knockout rounds.
“Senegal are a very good team. We saw that when they won the African Cup of Nations earlier this year. Ghana and Morocco also have very good players and I think we will see that during the group stage.”
Al Habsi, who made over 100 appearances for Oman, is predicting a blockbusting final four, with semi-finals between South American giants Argentina and Brazil in one half, with reigning champions France faces Germany in the other.
“I think we will see the big teams shine at this stage of the competition,” Al Habsi said. “Fans will be excited to see these big matches, involving the best players in the world battling it out to make the final.”
The Qatar Legacy Ambassador believes Argentina and Germany will face each other for the fourth time in a World Cup final – and is tipping Lionel Messi and Co to lift the trophy.
“I like Germany, but I think Argentina will win,” Al Habsi said. “This will likely be Messi’s last World Cup, so for him to win the trophy would be fitting for one of the greatest players of all time.”
