World Cup 2018: Jefinho predicts Group F

In the countdown to the FIFA Football World Cup in Russia, Paralympic.org has asked for the analysis of a very special football pundit. Brazil’s blind football star Jefinho, one of the greatest 5-a-side football players of all times who is in Madrid, Spain, taking part in the IBSA Blind Football World Championships.

Today he makes his predictions for Group F: Germany, Mexico, Sweden and South Korea.

Jefinho’s predictions, Group F:

“Germany have struggled in the latest friendly matches and faced some issues with players off the pitch but I don’t think it will affect them as Germany always come strong to the World Cup no matter what circumstances. I expect them to finish first and the second place to be decided between Mexico and Sweden. South Korea are the underdogs in the group. Mexico and Sweden don’t have great international players as in the past but they have well-managed teams. We know Mexico’s coach [Juan Carlos Osorio] well in Brazil, as he has managed in the country. The Mexicans traditionally go through the group stage but Sweden did really well in the qualifiers and it will be a great clash between the two.”

Who qualifies for the round of 16:

“Germany first. I believe Mexico will take the second place.”

Match schedule:

17 June

Germany v Mexico

Sweden v South Korea

23 June

South Korea v Mexico

Germany v Sweden

27 June

South Korea v Germany

Mexico v Sweden