Come July 14, France captain Kylian Mbappe will be lifting the European Championship trophy at the Olympiastadion in Berlin, with fellow title-contenders England and Portugal falling by the wayside.
That is the assessment of former Czech Republic international Patrik Berger ahead of Europe's continental showpiece, which kicks off in Germany on June 14.
Berger, 50, who scored in the Czechs' final loss against Germany in the 1996 edition, is in the Republic for the Singapore Cricket Club (SCC) Soccer 7s tournament at the Padang this weekend.
When The Straits Times asked him for his pick to win the Euro during an interview at the Pullman Singapore Hill Street hotel on April 5, he replied without hesitation: "France will be very strong.
"They lost in the 2022 World Cup final and still have the same team young, ambitious and hungry for success. I believe they have the quality to win it."
While adding that Portugal are strong even if Cristiano Ronaldo is excluded, and England will also be among the favourites, he believes that Les Bleus, boasting the likes of Paris Saint-Germain superstar Mbappe and fellow forwards Antoine Griezmann and Olivier Giroud, would be too tough to beat.
Esta historia es de la edición April 06, 2024 de The Straits Times.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición April 06, 2024 de The Straits Times.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
'Football died' when Klopp joined Red Bull
BERLIN - Jurgen Klopp's decision to join Red Bull as their Global Head of Soccer has sparked strong reactions from many German fans.
ALCARAZ IN 'CRAZY' LOSS TO MACHAC
Spaniard can’t believe opponent’s level after defeat scuppers rematch with Italian Sinner
New arrivals at FIA after high-profile departures
LONDON Formula One's governing body announced two senior appointments after headline departures triggered talk of an exodus from the International Automobile Federation (FIA) led by Emirati Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
OLYMPIC RINGS OF FIRE OVER EIFFEL TOWER
French minister plans to wrest control of landmark from Paris mayor amid logo row
EVEREST CLIMBS TO GROUP 1 HEIGHTS
World’s richest sprint race gains recognition at its eighth running, as well as All-Star Mile
Heat stress Different work conditions require flexible guidelines on workers' attire
We thank Mr Rahul Gupta for his suggestions (Study standard heat-friendly work clothes for outdoor workers, Oct 8).
Airbus deliveries drop as suppliers struggle
PARIS Airbus deliveries fell 9 per cent in September to 50 jets compared with the same month in 2023, the European planemaker said on Oct 9, rekindling a debate over the strength of its industrial goals as suppliers struggle to keep up with demand.
Mental health ambassadors at all PAP branches by 2025
By 2025, all 93 People's Action Party (PAP) branches will have mental health ambassadors to promote mental well-being in every neighbourhood and support the work of MPs in addressing residents' mental health concerns.
Zelensky says there is 'real chance' to end war in 2025
He did not reveal how this could happen but is counting on support from key allies
Prabowo defends plan to expand government with ‘fat' Cabinet
JAKARTA Indonesia's Presidentelect Prabowo Subianto has defended his plan to expand government agencies, saying it is needed for a strong administration even if critics call it a \"fat\" Cabinet that will bloat the bureaucracy.