Gorbachev predicts Brazil's 2-1 win against Germany in final

By Staff
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Google Oneindia News

Berlin, June 18 (UNI) Mikhail Gorbachev earned his stripes as the advocate of Perestroika and Glasnost but the last President of the erstwhile Soviet Union turned out to be a soccer aficionado who predicted a 2-1 win for Brazil aganst hosts germany in the final of the ongoing World Cup.

Mr Gorbachev, currently Chairman of Green Cross International, rued that Russia could not make it to the finals and said he was most impressed by the Germans.

Asked to predict the final result, the 1990 Nobel Laureate prophesied Brazil would beat Germany 2-1.

Geneva being the headquarter of the NGO he is heading, Mr Gorbachev saw the France-Switzerland and had a word of praise for Zinedine Zidane and Ludovic Magnin.

''I saw France-Switzerland at home on television. It was an important game for both sides and they looked nervous, which meant the quality of play suffered.

''The biggest moment was without doubt when the Swiss hit France's post from a free-kick. No player really impressed me, but if I had to choose one I'd say Magnin for the Swiss and, of course, Zidane for the French.'' Mr Gorbachev said Australia would be the surprise package in this World Cup, while he was impressed with the Dutch fans.

''Up until now, the Germans have impressed me the most. I also thought the Australian team were physically and mentally strong, and they can cause a surprise or two. As for the supporters, I like the Dutch a lot. They are always behind their team, always very sporting and always in a good mood.

Mr Gorbachev said he is no new to the game and the first World Cup he followed keenly was in 1966 in England and admired Pele. He rated England's 3-2 win against Cameroon in 1990 World Cup is the best match he has seen.

Opining that soccer can be a binding force for the world, he said, ''Football is not only a wonderful game that unites millions of fans around the world, it is also a modern symbol of solidarity on account of its diversity - irrespective of faith, colour of skin, political commitments and affiliations, people are carried away by this beautiful, emotional and exciting spectacle.

''I only wish the same solidarity could be achieved for the prevention and resolution of the environmental problems which both unite and divide the world today,'' he said.

UNI XC AY GC1254

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