WHO WILL WIN THE CUP?

FOR THE first time the World Cup is being held outside of Europe and the Americas. Japan and South Korea are co-hosts of the world's largest single sport extravaganza. More than three million people are expected to attend the event - an average of 48,437 per match. If you couldn't get to Asia, don't worry you are in good company as 35 billion people in 190 countries are expected to tune in to World Cup 2002. Of course, the main thing on their minds will be 'who's going to win it all?' Will it be defending champions France, red-hot Argentina, dangerous Brazil, European powers Italy, Germany or England? We asked a panel of local experts for their thoughts on the matter.

CLYDE JUREIDINI
(general manager, Harbour View Football Club)
I think Italy will win the World Cup. They are drawn in one half of the pyramid that has a much easier path to the final than the other half of the pyramid that has England, Argentina, Brazil and France, all on a collision course. I think once they get to the final, they will be well rested and will have a chance of doing their counter-attacking game.

GEOFFERY MAXWELL
(Coach)
I am prepared to go with Argentina. They have been playing very well and they are one of the form teams outside of a group of France and Italy. Based on form and a well-balanced squad, Argentina look the right choice. For a team to win the World Cup it needs to have a very good bench and I think outside of France, they have possibly the best available bench. Creativity, they have the necessary players to do it. They are blessed with good defence. However, the only weakness that I foresee is the goalkeeper, whose name has not been mentioned among the quality goalkeepers. Another plus for Argentina is that for the first time since 1978, they have a coach that is very tactical in comparison to Cesar Menotti. I anticipate an Italy-Argentina final.

IAN ANDREWS
(Sport Editor, CVM)
I like Argentina because they are the most consistent team so far. They have a lot of talented players. However, there is a crisis in the country, but I don't know if the situation will give them an extra push to lift the World Cup. When Argentina won at home in 1978 there were problems in the country which they used as a catalyst. I think the same motivating factors are before them, although the problems which they are faced with are not the same as in 1978. Their strongest challenge should come from Italy and possibly France.

PETER CARGILL
(assistant coach, Jamaica football team)
The winner should emerge from the group of Brazil, Italy, Argentina and France. The four teams have done very well at this level and among them have won the World Cup on 10 occasions. Traditionally, it is unlikely that the winner will come from elsewhere. The team that is able to settle down quickly will more than likely be crowned champions.

SIMON CROSSKILL
Sport Editor, RJR Communication Group
Unfortunately, I think it will be France again. They are not the country who I want to win but I think they will win. Looking at the lineup, I think they have at least 12 players who played throughout the 1998 World Cup. They have experience, they still have class. They managed to continue to be a winning side after winning Euro 2000 afterwards and then the Confederation Cup. So I think the confidence is high and they have players who obviously know how to win.

ELAINE WALKER BROWN
President, Jamaica Women Football Federation
My idea of the winner is either France or Italy. France could retain the title based upon their preparation and the large number of players that have returned from the 1998 World Cup tournament. In terms of Italy, they are very rounded. Their defence will be hard to penetrate and the players are blessed with good technique.