South Africa’s former skipper, Lucas Radebe talks about the World Cup in Germany and, of course, about the World Cup 2010, in South Africa.

FIFAworldcup.com: What were your impressions of the France-Portugal match?
Lucas Radebe: I watched the match between France and Portugal on TV. I think both teams played the same kind of football, they really played with the same passion. Both teams knew that the prize at stake was huge - I mean, the Final. The game was really great, very tight, high quality. Both teams were looking for a score, but it happened only with the penalty. That was good for France who from that moment on, had only to keep their lead.

Both teams have progressed from the last World Cup, where they were eliminated incredibly soon. They had to prove to the world the quality of their football, and in Munich they fully demonstrated it. During this World Cup they have done so well and both deserved to be in the semi-finals. After France beat Brazil, you can see that the team were in the best shape ever and against Portugal they demonstrated that again. France wanted to win - they played really as a team, something that does not happen so often. They showed their strength, they were literally fighting!

What is your prediction for the Final?
It is really tough to give a real prediction on the Final. Italy is very competitive, very tactical as well. But France has got the power, the strength in (Patrick) Vieira, the technique in (Zinedine) Zidane and up front with (Thierry) Henry. It will be a very entertaining and interesting game. I think that on Sunday we will have a great match if you have a look at how both teams played during the semi-finals, as Italy played as well as France did. I don’t think they will go to penalties, but maybe to extra time. But you never know, it really can go either way. It will be a tremendous match.

As a former captain of a national team, what is the most important thing a skipper can say to his team-mates?
I think now the most important thing is the team, to work as a team. Not only individuals win the game, it is the whole group that wins. Only one team, united and determined, can win this Trophy. It will be a great honour for each person, for the team, for the fans and for the nation they represent, to win such an extraordinary tournament. It is the World Cup! But each team has showed great football so far and they have to be proud of this - their quality is impressive. What I would like to say to Italy and France is, just go and do your best as a team and you will win!

What are your general impressions of this FIFA World Cup?
It has been a very exciting tournament. I want to thank Germany for having been a great host country. Everything was well organised, the people were very welcoming. Also, it has been a pleasure seeing the young generation of football players participating at this World Cup. (Lionel) Messi, (Frank) Ribery, the upcoming generation have shown their ability and power.

Source: WCOffsite