Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has backed France to retain the FIFA World Cup, saying only Spain have the quality to stop Didier Deschamps’ side.
The FIFA Chief of Global Football Development made the prediction after France’s impressive run to the quarter-finals, where they are scheduled to face Morocco.
Speaking on Felix and Toni Kroos’ podcast, Wenger said France had built strong momentum during the tournament and remained favourites to lift the trophy.
“France will win the World Cup.
“I know you’re going to say it’s because I’m French.
“But when you analyse the tournament a bit, the train is moving at a certain speed today.
“And you have to be capable of getting on board that train,” he said.
Wenger, however, believes Spain possess the tactical quality and collective style capable of ending France’s title defence.
“For me, the real question mark is Spain.
“If any team is capable of beating France right now, I would say it’s Spain.
“Because they have a better technical level than France.
“They have a quality of collective play, and a culture of collective play, that nobody else in the world has at the moment.
“Not at this level, anyway. So it’s between those two in my opinion. After that, of course, France is stronger physically,” he added.
France will first have to overcome Morocco in the quarter-finals before a potential semi-final against Spain or Belgium.
Spain have also impressed during the tournament, setting up the prospect of a meeting between the two European heavyweights should both progress.
Wenger dismissed the chances of England, Argentina and Morocco, insisting Spain remain the only side with the tactical organisation and technical quality to seriously challenge the defending champions.
