Australia legend Tim Cahill is expecting Brazil to claim a record sixth title at this year’s FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Cahill recently gave his World Cup predictions to the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy.
As well as backing Brazil to beat Belgium in the final, Cahill believes Australia will enjoy their most successful tournament in history by reaching the quarter-finals after an upset win over Argentina in the last 16.
“I hope Australia can make it because you want your country to do well,” said Cahill, who appeared in four World Cups. “If we stop Lionel Messi, we can beat Argentina and go through.”
Cahill, Australia’s record goal scorer, sees African teams performing well at Qatar 2022, with African Cup of Nations holders Senegal reaching the semi-finals before falling to Brazil.
“When you look at Cameroon, Senegal and Ghana, they’ve got a lot of world-class players playing in some of the biggest leagues in the world and they’re constantly producing talent. For African teams to break the mould and battle it out to win a World Cup would be pretty special.”
Qatar Legacy Ambassador Cahill also expects the Middle East and Arab world to be represented in the knockout stages by host nation Qatar and Saudi Arabia. Cahill is backing the Maroons to claim a surprise victory over England in the last 16.
Former Everton star Cahill said: “I played in England, but I live in Qatar and I work at Aspire Academy, so this is an emotional pick to go with the underdog.”
Cahill anticipates a mouthwatering final between Brazil and Belgium at the Lusail Stadium on December 18. “I’m a big fan of Belgium, both the squad and the management, but when you come up against Brazil, they’re probably one of the strongest teams in the world and have the biggest chance of winning this World Cup,” said Cahill.
Tim Cahill
