World Cup 2018: Jefinho predicts Group G

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.

After kicking things off with Group H, it is now time for Group G: Belgium, England, Panama and Tunisia.

Jefinho’s predictions, Group G:

“This group has a clear scenario with Belgium and England as the favourites. Belgium have a generation that always comes to tournaments full of expectations with players such as [Kevin] De Bruyne, [Eden] Hazard and [Romero] Lukaku. They made it to the quarter finals in the last World Cup and maybe this time can go further and fulfil their potential. England have good players like Dele Alli, [Raheem] Sterling and Harry Kane, who is one of the best strikers in the world. It is a strong team up front and has a good path not only in their group but also in the round of 16 to reach the quarter finals without much trouble. That said, I think they will finish second behind Belgium. Panama and Tunisia lack international players and experience in major events so I don’t expect them to cause damage in the group.”

Who qualifies for the round of 16:

“Belgium first and England second.”

Match schedule:

18 June

Belgium v Panama

Tunisia v England

23 June

Belgium v Tunisia

England v Panama

28 June

England v Belgium

Panama v Tunisia