By Andrew Warshaw
March 6 – UEFA President Michel Platini (pictured) is backing Germany to clinch this summer’s European Championship title – and insists Brazil will be ready for 2014 World Cup.
“Germany currently has the best team in Europe, they are very young and very creative,” Platini told a German newspaper.
“They didn’t lose any of their European Championship qualification matches.
“They are the big favourites to win the championships alongside Spain.”
Platini, who led France to the 1984 European title on home soil, is by no means convinced about the credentials of his native France, coached by Laurent Blanc.
“We have two or three really good players like [Real Madrid’s] Karim Benzema and [Bayern Munich’s] Franck Ribéry, but the rest are so-so,” he said.
Platini also attempted to play down increasing concerns over whether Brazil will be ready to host the World Cup.
FIFA secretary general Jérôme Valcke (pictured) has persistently made reference to the fact that there is still considerable work to be done.
However Platini – World Cup organising boss himself in 1998 in France – was quoted as saying: “There are differences in every World Cup hosting.
“In 1998 we had problems with ticket sales but it is natural that these things happen.
“My advice is that Brazil should remain focused.
“It should define its main goals and what outcome is wanted and then try to achieve them.
“The World Cup there will be different.
“Not better, not worse.
“Different.
“Brazil has to respect its own characteristics while responding to FIFA’s needs.
“There is always room for talk.”
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