Argentine football manager, Rodolfo Zapata, is already predicting the possible fortunes of Argentine and Nigeria’s national teams at the June World Cup to be hosted in Brazil. For Zapata, there is strong potential for the Super Eagles, as the Nigerian side is known, to “create problems” in Brazil 2014.
Asked how far he thinks the reigning African champions will go in their campaign, the 1996 Olympic football gold medal winner said: “Nigeria and Argentina will play a decisive game. It is not the same to finish first or second place on their Group F.”
Zapata predicts a tough scenario for France, Germany and Brazil. “The draw puts France, Germany and Brazil on the same side of the elimination brackets (assuming they win their groups). In theory, Group F winner will face Ecuador or Switzerland in the second round. Then Belgium, Russia, Ghana or Portugal in quarterfinals, and a possible semi-final with Spain seems an easier way to get to the final game,” Rolo Zapata said.
“The quality of football played in Africa has improved significantly. Argentina arguably have the best attack of any team in the world, but there are some question marks over their defense and goalkeeping,” he said.
As a coach Rodolfo Zapata has managed teams in Nigeria and South Africa. Currently, he is working with United States Youth Soccer Association.
