Stankovic: "Football is getting more democratic, everyone can win."

The 2022 FIFA World Cup started in Qatar on November 20th and will end on December 18th, making it the first World Cup ever played in the Arab world.

Former Inter and Lazio midfielder Dejan Stankovic spoke about the ongoing 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, which started on November 20th and will end on December 18th, making it the first World Cup ever played in the Arab world.

The Serbian spoke to Italian radio station Radio Sportiva and analyzed the tournament so far, giving his thoughts on some of the standout teams and players.

Stankovic on the 2022 FIFA World Cup

"The World Cup is always a wonderful event, and this one is no different," Stankovic said. "The level of play has been very high, and there have been some great matches so far. It's been great to see some of the smaller teams competing with the big ones, and it shows that football is getting more democratic. Everyone can win."

"I've been impressed by a lot of teams so far, but especially Argentina and France," Stankovic continued. "They both have a lot of quality, and they're playing with a lot of confidence. I think they're the two favorites to win the tournament."

On Argentina

"Argentina has a great team, and they're playing with a lot of heart," Stankovic said. "They're led by Lionel Messi, who is one of the best players in the world. They also have a lot of other talented players, like Angel Di Maria, Paulo Dybala, and Lautaro Martinez. I think they have a good chance of winning the World Cup."

On France

"France is another team that has a lot of quality," Stankovic said. "They're the defending champions, and they have a lot of experience. They also have a lot of talented players, like Kylian Mbappe, Karim Benzema, and Antoine Griezmann. I think they're one of the favorites to win the World Cup."

Stankovic also praised some of the other teams that have performed well in the World Cup so far, including Morocco, Croatia, and Japan.

"Morocco has been one of the surprise teams of the tournament," Stankovic said. "They've played with a lot of heart and determination, and they've beaten some big teams. I think they have a chance to go far in the tournament."

"Croatia is another team that has impressed me," Stankovic continued. "They're a very solid team, and they're always difficult to beat. I think they have a good chance of reaching the semi-finals or even the final."

"Japan has also been a surprise team in the World Cup," Stankovic said. "They've played with a lot of energy and passion, and they've beaten some big teams. I think they have a chance to reach the quarter-finals or even the semi-finals."

Stankovic concluded by saying that he is excited to see how the rest of the World Cup unfolds.

"There are still a lot of great matches to come," Stankovic said. "I'm excited to see who will win the tournament. I think it's going to be a very close race."