×
App Icon
The Standard e-Paper
Truth Without Fear
★★★★ - on Play Store
Download Now

12 days to go! South America aims to break Europe's World Cup grip

Vocalize Pre-Player Loader

Audio By Vocalize

FILE - Brazil's David Luiz, left, and Dante react after Germany scored their sixth goal during the World Cup semifinal soccer match between Brazil and Germany at the Mineirao Stadium in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, Tuesday, July 8, 2014. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein, File)

Kylian Mbappe riled up South Americans back in May when he said both Argentina and Brazil don't play matches "at a high level" in qualifying to reach the World Cup.

Interviewed by Brazilian television, the France striker said South America lags behind Europe in terms of the strength of competition. He noted that the most recent World Cup champions - including his own country in 2018 - have been teams from Europe.

Premium Article

Get Full Access for Ksh299/Week.

Bold Reporting Takes Time, Courage and Investment. Stand With Us.
Continue Reading  →
What you get
  • Unlimited access to all premium content
  • Ad-free browsing experience
  • Mobile-optimised reading
  • Weekly newsletters & digests
Pay via
M - PESA
VISA
Airtel Money
Secure Payments Kenya's most trusted newsroom since 1902
By AFP 2 hrs ago
Football
Veteran goalkeeper Neuer recalled to aid Germany World Cup bid
By AFP 6 hrs ago
Football
Emery urges Villa to use Europa triumph to fuel bold new era
By AFP 6 hrs ago
Football
DR Congo cancel World Cup training in Kinshasa amid Ebola outbreak
Football
For Arsenal, the time is right and the Lord has made it happen