Former Indian football captain Bhaichung Bhutia is shocked at the early exit of defending champions Spain and picked Germany as his favourite to go all the way to win the ongoing FIFA World Cup.
"I didn't expect Spain to go out so early. Nobody expected them to make a first-round exit. England were also in a difficult group. But the most shocking result was Spain getting out in the first round," Bhutia said today.
"After watching the first round, I think Germany are very very strong," he said on the sidelines of 'Google Cafe' event.
Bhutia said Spain coach Vincent del Bosque made a few mistakes while choosing the starting line-up.
"Sometimes coaches and managers do get it wrong. It was the starting line-up that del Bosque got wrong. (Diego) Costa was definitely injured and not well but started both the group games. He was not fitting well into the system," he said.
Del Bosque had led the team to victory in the 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2008 and 2012 European Championships.
Asked who is his favourite goalkeeper, Bhutia said, "In this world cup, Mexican goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa has been outstanding but overall my favourite is German goalie Michael Neuer."
The ongoing World Cup threw some unexpected results and also saw some gutsy performances and Bhutia said the difference between the top and the 32nd team in the World Cup has reduced.
"There is not much difference among the teams and it is visible from some of the results. This is the reason why it has been a great World Cup. Smaller teams are now going on to beat bigger and better teams," said the 37-year-old.
