Who Will Win 2023 World Cup? South Africa Coach Rob Walter Predicts
India will take on Australia in 2023 WC final [AP]
South Africa's head coach, Rob Walter, expressed his disappointment after his team's loss to Australia in the World Cup semifinal and stated that he is unlikely to watch the final. Despite his personal feelings, Walter acknowledged that it would be fitting for India to win the World Cup, especially considering the tournament is hosted in India.
South Africa's prolonged 31-year wait for a spot in the significant event will extend for another four years. Travis Head showcased an exceptional performance with both bat and ball, propelling Australia into a World Cup final against India following a gripping three-wicket victory over South Africa in Kolkata on Thursday.
In the heart of the action at Eden Gardens last night, nearly 50,000 spectators experienced high-octane drama, keeping them on the edge of their seats throughout. In the end, it was Australia who emerged victorious.
A gutted Proteas head coach, Walter, will not watch the World Cup final after his team once again failed to make the cut. He revealed that he won't be tuning in for the World Cup final.
Despite his team falling short, Walter believes it would be appropriate for India, the only unbeaten team in the tournament, to lift the coveted trophy on Sunday.
“To be honest, there’s one per cent chance I’ll be watching (final). And to be even more brutally honest, I actually don’t care,” Rob Walter said after South Africa's bitter three-wicket loss to Australia in the second semifinal here on Thursday.
However, Walter emphasised the significance of a home team winning the World Cup, stating
"But obviously, because of the World Cup being in India, it’s always great for the home nation to win the World Cup."
He reflected on the passionate support of Indian fans and the inspiring prospect of winning a World Cup on home soil.
Walter also expressed a soft spot for some members of the Australian team, including the coach, due to his friendships.
“I’ve got a lot of friends in the Australian change room, so I probably have a soft spot for a couple of them, especially the coach."
Despite this, he highlighted India's outstanding performance throughout the tournament, stating,
"But just seeing the support when we last played here against India and the way the fans rallied around the team, and the great hope and inspiration of winning a World Cup at home, I think it would only be fitting for India to win. And in the same breath, they have been the best side in the competition and they’ve played the best cricket," Walter added.
Walter's remarks underscored the sentiment that an Indian victory in the World Cup final would be fitting and well-deserved.
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