Platini: France v Argentina, ideal World Cup 2002 final

Nov 30th, 2001

PARIS, November 30 (DS) - French Football Federation vice-president Michel Platini believes France versus Argentina would be the ideal final for the World Cup 2002 in South Korea and Japan, France Football revealed.

"The French national team today have at their disposal a tremendous generation of players, 22 or 23 of which can easily secure a first team spot. I believe Argentina are not quite there yet," said Platini, who claimed the Golden Ball during three consecutive years (1983, 1984, 1985).

The former France captain and manager named Spain, England, Italy, Germany and Brazil as the other favourites of the tournament. He also asserted that Japan and South Korea are "not mature enough" to reach the semifinals despite the fact that they have the home field advantage.

"France are so much stronger all the other teams that I cannot see any other team that can cause them any troubles,'' the Frenchman said.

Daily Soccer