Avram Grant: African Teams Ready to Make World Cup History
Veteran football coach Avram Grant has expressed strong confidence in Africa’s representatives ahead of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, tipping several teams to make a historic breakthrough on the global stage.
Speaking to Cafonline, the former Chelsea and Ghana national team manager singled out Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, and Nigeria as the continent’s best hopes in Brazil this summer. He believes these nations possess the talent and mindset to reach the tournament’s latter stages — and possibly rewrite African football history.
“I am convinced that African teams will produce excellent results at the World Cup this summer in Brazil,” Grant said. “I sincerely believe that with high morale, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana and Nigeria could reach the quarter-finals and write a new page in the history of African football.”
Grant, who has managed at both international and club level across continents — including recent stints with Ghana and Iraq — pointed to an interesting historical trend. No European team has ever won the World Cup on South American soil, a pattern that he says could open the door for teams outside the traditional football powerhouses.
While realistic about the challenges, Grant insists that African nations are not far off from ultimate success. “The day will come when the world champion will be African,” he said. “Frankly, I don’t understand why it hasn’t already happened, considering the immense potential of footballers from this continent.”
For Grant, the key lies in more than just raw talent. He emphasizes the importance of technical preparation and psychological resilience — particularly in pressure situations that have historically seen African sides fall short.
“The key to success will come, in my opinion, from the mentality that has often failed them in crucial moments, particularly at the end of matches. But that’s something that can easily be changed,” he noted.
Of the five African teams heading to Brazil — Algeria, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, and Nigeria — Grant admitted a soft spot for Stephen Keshi’s Super Eagles, praising both their tactical discipline and growing maturity under the late Nigerian coach’s leadership.
With expectations building and the tournament fast approaching, Grant’s words add to the growing sentiment that Africa may be closer than ever to making a lasting mark on the biggest stage in football.
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