Speaking on The Soccer Show, Shakes Rampedi said the tournament’s better sides were starting to show themselves. “The cream is starting to rise. I think that’s what we’re starting to see. We’re starting to see some of the better sides coming through to the fold.”
Rampedi pointed to France’s win over Paraguay as proof of their quality. “I felt like Paraguay had to play the game that they had to play. But France went toe to toe with that. Even France was showing a bit of physicality as well.”
Co-host Dylan Johnson turned to Morocco’s win over Canada, admitting it changed his outlook on how Bafana Bafana might have fared against them. “We chatted about how we thought Bafana would have had a decent chance against Morocco. But after watching them there, it actually might be a good thing that we’re home now watching from the TV, because Morocco look ridiculous.”
Rampedi praised Morocco’s depth after they scored three without their leading scorer, Ismael Saibari, on the pitch. “Morocco are a quality side. Let’s get that right. The fact that Saibari comes off, and they’re still able to score three against Canada.”
He called them France’s toughest test yet. “They folded Canada in the way that we probably should have attacked Canada. But the biggest compliment I can pay Morocco is that they are going to be France’s toughest opponent so far.”
Rampedi finished with a bold prediction. “If Morocco gets past France, I think Morocco wins the World Cup.”
Photo: REUTERS/Dylan Martinez
