he key to a successful World Cup campaign is to start off against tougher opponents rather than easier ones, World Cup winners Mario Kempes of Argentina and Zinedine Zidane of France both agreed on Thursday.
“From the beginning of a World Cup, you have to have the right mindset and you can’t feel like it’s best to play against the small teams first,” Zidane told reporters on the eve of the draw for the 2014 edition in Brazil.
“It’s best to start against the stronger teams because the challenge is so tough, you may as well start against the best.”
Kempes, still with a mass of thick hair but without the moustache he famously sported in the 1978 World Cup in Argentina, agreed and said he was delighted the finals were back in South America for the first time since his nation’s triumph.
“We can prove that we can organise a great finals here as they do in Europe,” he said.
“It is an extraordinary opportunity for us and can move South American football in the right direction.
“I agree with what Zinedine said. The best thing is to start against the strongest teams because that way you can’t rest on your laurels.
“If you start by thinking that some teams are easier than others, that is not the best way to prepare, The Star online informs.
“I think Argentina have three good options to win the World Cup. We have a good team with an excellent coach and with Lionel Messi the best player in the world. Everything is set up for us to be successful.”
