EURO 2020 – France Favorites for Indian Football Stars: EURO 2020 starts tonite and the Indian football fraternity like football fans world over is extremely excited about the mega event. Everyone is rooting for their favorite team. Former Indian skipper Bhaichung Bhutia is rooting for France, while Syed Rahim Nabi feels Belgium has a great chance to lift Euro Cup this edition.
The tournament was scheduled to be staged in 2020 but due to the Covid pandemic it couldn’t be held and UEFA decided to organise it this year. Several countries will be vying for the coveted trophy with England, Belgium and France looking firm favourites for the title while Cristiano Ronaldo will be looking to hit the right note from day one.
EURO 2020 – Check out who Indian football stars are rooting for this EURO CUP
Baichung Bhutia – France: Former Indian skipper Bhaichung Bhutia feels France has all the potential to leave behind their 2016 agony when Portugal got the better of them in the EURO final.
“I think N’Golo Kante has gotten an engine. He is never getting tired. He has had a long season, but I do not think he is a player who is getting to get tired. For me, if France as a team does well and goes on to win Euro 2020, then I think, Kante has got a great chance to become the Footballer of the Year because he has had a great season, he is an unsung hero everywhere he has played, he is a great player.”
The former East Bengal forward further added, “France is one of the favourites to win the Euro 2020, they have brought back Karim Benzema and how that is going to affect the chemistry on and off the field, he was dropped because he did not have a great relationship with the manager Didier Deschamps and players like Giroud. Now, he is back and it depends on how the manager manages him. But again as I said, France is the favourites and if they reach the finals or win Euro 2020, N’Golo Kante is going to be the footballer of the year for me.”
Syed Rahim Nabi – France & Belgium: Another Former India international Syed Rahim Nabi thinks both Belgium and France have the ammunition to fire but one should not undermine the quality of Portugal as this could be Cristiano Ronaldo’s last stint in the European Championship.
“There’s no doubt that France and Belgium are the frontrunners to win the Euro 2020 as they have been the most consistent teams for the past few years. But Portugal being the defending champions will give them a tough challenge.
“Ronaldo, who was the inspiration behind their victory in 2016, can once again lead them to the title as he knows his time to win a major tournament is ticking really fast.”
Muttah Suresh – Belgium: Another Indian stalwart Muttah Suresh placed his bets on Belgium to lift the title this time. Belgium has got a very strong side and certainly, they can end their major trophy drought in the upcoming European Championships.”
Brandon Fernandes – France, Portugal: On a Facebook live of Goal.com current Indian superstar, Brandon Fernandes pinned his hopes on Cristiano Ronaldo to lift the trophy one more time. When asked about his favourite player the 26-year-old promptly added, “Obviously Cristiano Ronaldo. I hope he wins this time again.”
He further added, “I think Germany and France are most probably the favourites.”