The football world cup is just around the corner. In Lions Football Zone discusses all the vicissitudes surrounding the tournament with former football players and watch them live with the the Dutch Lions and the Moroccan Lions of the Atlas. In this preview, twelve-time international Ali Boussaboun and former football adventurer Jos Hooiveld join us to talk about their expectations, surprises and favorite line-up of the respective national teams.
In any case, what both gentlemen agree on is that they do not want to go along with all the negativity surrounding the World Cup. “Hypocritical stuff,” says Boussaboun. The former player of Feyenoord and FC Utrecht, among others, sees selectivity in the “Western image”. We are now pretending that Qatar is a hellish state that allows slave ships to enter. We should not point the finger at others, while we ourselves are not doing everything right here.”
Hooiveld also prefers to talk about the beauty of the tournament. “Do you think we’re going to play football there? How it got there is crazy. It is therefore good that things are being raised with the platform that football offers, but in the end we have to talk about football.” The two therefore do not necessarily agree with statements that players are expected to make, such as the OneLovecaptaincy of Virgil van Dijk. “Stop with that bullshit. There are certain laws in the Netherlands that people have to abide by. Now we are guests there… Please respect those people as well,” says Boussaboun.
Despite the peripheral issues, sport will be the focus for the coming month. The gentlemen like to share their knowledge. “I hope the Netherlands, but I think France will win”, thinks Hooiveld. Boussaboun hopes for a last piece of art from Lionel Messi for Argentina. “The best player of all time.” The former attacker predicts a negative leading role for Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo. “I think the coach will not get everything out of the team because Ronaldo has to play. And he does not fit into any other role.” Hooiveld predicts Germany as a negative surprise. “They go straight home after the group stage.”
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