Agüero, Balotelli, Reus put themselves in the hot seat!
With the World Cup in Brazil mere weeks away, the world’s best players have assembled to represent their national teams for the biggest global sports tournament. Sergio Agüero, Mario Balotelli and Marco Reus were each placed in the hot seat, preparing to answer questions ahead of the big stage. They would be interviewed by themselves for some of the most candid confrontations they have faced.
All of the players each strongly believe in their abilities, and their nation’s chances in Brazil. For Argentina’s Kun Agüero, a little inspiration can go a long way for a young player’s development. At the youth level when Argentina competed in the Under-20 World Cup, Agüero would be called up to the squad despite having two caps for the senior national team. He was having a lackluster first season at Atletico Madrid. But he would be the catalyst to Argentina’s second consecutive U-20 World Cup, a title he also helped win his nation in 2005. The 2007 tournament ended with Kun taking both the Golden Shoe and Golden Ball as top scorer and player each. He also shared his experiences playing in the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. His manager kept believing in Agüero’s abilities even though he did not score in the group stage. He would score a brace in the semi-finals against rivals Brazil, and Argentina would win gold.
Mario Balotelli, one of the most colorful and polarizing figures in the world of football, fondly remembers Italy’s triumph in the 2006 World Cup final against France, and always believed that he would wear the colors of the Azzuri himself, representing his nation in the sport’s biggest event. “I always believed it,” he states. “It’s every child’s dream to play at the World Cup. You start playing football dreaming about that. I have done well in my career in my career and I’m lucky enough to have the chance.” The striker reflects on his breakthrough performance in Euro 2012 against the Germans, and boldly claims that this Italian team heading to Brazil is stronger than that team. Balotelli also shared who he says who is the most physically gifted and coolest athlete on the team.
Marco Reus, Germany’s versatile attacking midfielder, is confident in his nation’s chances for their fourth world title. As the his home nation hosted the World Cup in 2006, he watched at the Fanfests, supporting Die Mannschaft. He also dreamed of putting on the nation team’s colors, a belief that never faded. As part of the Euro 2012 team that were eliminated by Balotelli and Italy, He was thrilled to represent his nation but it wasn’t a totally positive experience, since they didn’t make it to the final. Reus feels that determination is the missing factor keeping Germany from winning the big competitions. “You need to make every second count and be prepared to do more than other teams. That’s what makes the difference,” he says. Although they are playing in a very tough group with Portugal, Ghana and the United States, he’s looking forward to playing in his first World Cup, eager to shine in Brazil.
Each player knows how important the World Cup is. It is their dream to make it to this stage, and they each owe it all to belief. The belief in their teammates, their abilities, their nation and ultimately themselves.
