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Rediff.com  » Sports » FIFA World Cup: Kohli rooting for Germany; who are you backing?
This article was first published 10 years ago

FIFA World Cup: Kohli rooting for Germany; who are you backing?

May 10, 2014 18:47 IST

Image: Virat Kohli of India plays football
Photographs: Anesh Debiky/Gallo Images/Getty Images

As World Cup fever grips soccer fans, spectators are excited and cricketers are no exception, as India's vice-captain Virat Kohli is ready to root for Germany in the upcoming mega-event.

"This time I am really rooting for them (Germany) because they have one of the most dangerous sides in the world. Hopefully, this will be Germany's year," he said.

Kohli said Philipp Lahm is his favourite German footballer as he creates most of the opportunities for his team.

"I like Philipp Lahm. I like his work ethic. Probably he is one of those guys who creates most of the space for Germany," said Kohli at the sidelines of a function, organized by Adidas.

Kohli said Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are his two favourite international footballers.

"Cristiano Ronaldo is my favourite, as well as Messi because he is also associated with Adidas. It will be great to meet both of them and those are obviously on top of my list," he said.

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'Jadeja thinks he is as good as Ronaldo'

Image: Ravindra Jadeja with Virat Kohli
Photographs: Getty Images

Replying to a query, Kohli said Ravindra Jadeja is the most funniest footballer in the Indian squad as he is all over the place and thinks he is as good as Ronaldo.

"It is really funny to see some of the guys trying different skills, especially Ravindra Jadeja. You should watch him play football...you will have a laugh. He thinks he is as good as Ronaldo when he gets the ball," he said.

While Jadeja plays in all positions, Kohli said he plays as a mid-fielder.

"He (Jadeja) plays everywhere. I sort of play mid-fielder but I have to eventually go forward to try and score some goals. Once you give the ball to Jadeja there is no getting it back," he said.

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'Dhoni is the best footballer in Indian team'

Image: Virat Kohli, right, with Abhishek Bachchan

Mahendra Singh Dhoni is the best footballer in Indian team, Kohli said while replied to a query.

He also said the Indian team members follow international football matches with great interest.

"Everyone follows pretty cleanly with a lot of interest. We have foreign coaches who have lot of interest in the English Premier League. Our fielding coach Trevor Penney is very passionate about Liverpool. We make groups and there is a lot of bantering around," he said.