Kissinger’s take on the World Cup

Henry A Kissinger is a former US Secretary of State, Nobel Peace Prize winner and above all a football fan. In the latest Newsweek magazine, he wrote about his passion for the game. Here is an excerpt on his predictions for the World Cup.

“The United States plays in a very tough initial group. To reach the elimination round, it will have to overcome at least one of two powerhouse European teams, Italy and the Czech Republic, as well as a talented team from Ghana. England has the players to reclaim a major role, though the recent injury of its star forward, Wayne Rooney, reduces its prospects.

In qualifying, Argentina won more games than any South American team, including Brazil. But its composure is not always equal to its talent. Italy looked overwhelming when defeating Germany a few months ago, and could advance unless it is held back by a developing scandal regarding refereeing. The German team has been a puzzle. It has an inventive new coach and passionate public support. But in the preliminary games, it had trouble against major opponents.

This may be the year for African teams to emerge; their technical brilliance has so far been thwarted by lack of international experience. In the last World Cup, two Asian teams—Korea and Japan—showed great progress. This World Cup will reveal how much of this is owed to the fact that the Cup was played before admiring home fans.

And there is always Brazil, which will guarantee excitement and exuberant fans.”