[ONLINE] INTERACTIVE: Star readers correctly predict three World Cup semi-finalists

Summary: Vote now: Who will make the World Cup final?

 

By SHYAFIQ DZULKIFLI

(STARPLUS LOGO)

PETALING JAYA: The Star readers correctly picked three of the four World Cup semi-finalists, backing Argentina, France and Spain in a reader poll.

The Star ran the poll on July 4, before the Round of 16 began, asking fans which teams they expected to advance to the semi-finals.

The poll garnered 2,612 votes from readers in Malaysia, Singapore, the United States, Australia and New Zealand.

Argentina topped the poll with 554 votes, followed by France (548), Spain (407) and Brazil (295).

 

Three of those four picks made it through: Argentina, France and Spain all booked their semi-final spots.

Brazil was the only top-four pick to fall short, exiting in the Round of 16.

England, which reached the semi-finals, was the fifth-most popular pick in the poll, receiving 258 votes.

 

Argentina beat Switzerland 3-1 in the quarter-finals, with the other three semi-finalists also winning their matches to set up two blockbuster clashes.

The semi-finals kick off on July 15 at 3am, with France facing Spain before Norway takes on Argentina on Thursday (July 16).

Die-hard France fan Atan Ibrahim said he had expected Les Bleus to go far in the tournament because they had a solid squad. 

“Obviously, the attacking trio have impressed me the most. They are fast and lethal finishers,” he said.

Atan, who has supported Les Bleus since 2002, said his dream final would be a showdown between France and England.

Spain fan Aideelnorfahmee, 34, said he had expected La Roja to reach the semi-finals because of their quality and style of play.

“Spain always have quality players and a strong football philosophy. I knew it would not be easy, but I believed they had what it takes to reach at least the semi-finals,” said the engineer.

He is backing England to reach the final and face his favourite team, Spain.

“Spain has been playing with consistency and confidence, while England have shown they can grind out results even in difficult matches. I think these two have the strongest balance between quality and mentality,” he said.

Meanwhile, England fan Fara Yusof, who has supported the Three Lions since the 1998 World Cup, admitted she had not expected England to reach the semi-finals before the tournament began.

“I thought England would probably reach the quarter-finals at best because some of Thomas Tuchel’s squad selections surprised me,” she said.

However, she said England’s opening win over Croatia changed her outlook.

“From then on, it really started to feel like ‘It’s coming home’ was louder than ever.

“Thomas Tuchel’s tactics and emphasis on teamwork have beaten groups of individual superstars. Harry Kane has been a brilliant, selfless captain, and his leadership has brought out the best in Jude Bellingham,” she said.

She expects France to reach the final and hopes the Three Lions can overcome Argentina to join Les Bleus.

“If England do, it’s coming home for sure,” she said.

With four teams left, which two will make the final?

Cast your vote in our poll below!

 

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