MBABANE – As the expanded 48-team FIFA World Cup reaches the quarter-finals tomorrow, soccer fever has firmly gripped Eswatini's top football minds.
The Last Eight kicks off tomorrow at 10pm Eswatini time, featuring a blockbuster clash between 2018 champions France and Africa’s sole remaining hope, Morocco. All quarter-finalists have already guaranteed themselves over E311 million (US$19 million) in prize money, with the eventual winners on July 19 taking home a staggering grand prize of over E820 million (US$50 million). Local football analysts and top players are closely following the action. Former Eswatini Senior National Team Sihlangu Manager Josiah ‘Digger’ Dlamini has tipped a heavyweight showdown between Argentina and France. However, he cautioned that England and 'dark horses' Belgium remain serious contenders.
"Argentina possesses the necessary courage to survive this tournament. They turned the game on its head against Egypt, coming from two goals down to win 3-2," Dlamini remarked, while adding that Spain have looked unconvincing due to an over-reliance on individual play. He also expressed disappointment over other African teams, noting they lacked the resilience to hold onto comfortable leads. Nsingizini Hotspurs and former Sihlangu defender Thando Langa, on the other hand, expects a final between 2010 champions Spain and holders Argentina.
Meanwhile, veteran former Eswatini international Sabelo ‘Sikhali’ Ndzinisa is betting on a France versus England final, largely due to the squad depth of the ‘Three Lions’.
“I’m backing this fixture because of the quality they possess, especially England," the gifted forward explained. "England have shown great maturity compared to Argentina, who struggled against an unlucky Egypt side that suffered from poor officiating."
Former Eswatini international Sabelo ‘Sikhali’ Ndzinisa expects a final between France and England.