The world is already warming with the heat of its greatest show- The FIFA World Cup- as the draw for the FIFA World Cup 2022 took place on Friday at Qatar. The first World Cup in Middle East, the first one in November- December and perhaps the last one with the presence of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, two most iconic footballers in current era, will see some interesting games in the group stage.
It is always difficult to predict the results in such a big tournament that is known for many upsets and surprises, but form, strength, history among many other facades of teams may help to forecast their fate in the group stage.
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Group A – Hosts’ challenge to prove on field
Teams: Qatar, Netherlands, Senegal and Ecuador
The hosting right of Qatar has been one of the most controversial decisions in World Cup history and the hosts will be in immense pressure to perform. In last 21 World Cups, only South Africa failed to go beyond group stage as hosts back in 2010. Despite being Asian Champions in 2019, Qatar’s recent form and strength indicate they will need a miracle to avoid the ignominy.
Netherlands, the inventor of total football and multiple finalists, will be eager to better their record under the stewardship of veteran coach Louis Van Gaal and the side will be captained by Virgil van Djik, one of the finest central defenders in the world. Senegal, with the presence of Van Djik’s Liverpool mate Sadio Mane and some other big stars in club football will be favourite to qualify along with Oranje. Ecuador, the South American side may pop out as dark horse.
Group B- A hot ‘political’ group
Teams: England, USA, Iran and European Qualifier (Scotland/ Wales/ Ukraine)
The names like USA, Iran and England together may create excitement to war-mongering people but fortunately the battle will be fought with football. Due to Ukraine War the final spot from the Europe is still undecided and the group will be most ‘politically’ excited if Ukraine may join them. However, the presence of Scotland or Wales will also add spice when they will meet their big brother of Great Britain.
In footballing parlance, England should get a cakewalk but they must keep in mind their poor record against USA from their very first appearance back in 1950. Iran’s stoic football under Croatian mentor Dragan Skocic could be very difficult to overcome.
Group C- Messi v Lewa
Teams: Argentina, Poland, Mexico and Saudi Arabia
Messi at last won something with Argentina when he lifted Copa America last year and he will be keen to bid an adieu with the greatest relic of footballing world. The team looks hungry and organized under Lionel Scaloni to end the 28-year drought.
However, Robert Lewandoski, a constant rival for Messi to become world’s best in last few years with immense goalscoring form, and his Polish side will be a big threat for the South American side while Mexico, under the tutelage of former Argentina coach Gerardo Martino, is always an odd team to face in the tournament. One can’t even discard the in-form Saudia Arabia team coached by Hervé Renard, the only coach ever to win the Africa Cup of Nations with two different countries.
Group D- The curse of defending champions
Teams: France, Denmark, Tunisia and Intercontinental qualifiers (Australia/Peru/UAE)
Over the last three editions defending champions have been miserably knocked out from the group stage and France, who themselves were the victim of this trend back in 2002, must be cautious despite their huge potential to successfully defend the title. However, their overtly-cautious coach Didier Deschamp’s so called pragmatic tactics backfired in the Euro 2021 and the team with myriad of talents may need to be more adventurous this time round for adding another silverware.
Denmark, who won nine of their 10 qualifying matches, are a solid unit and after the shocking collapse of Christain Eriksen the team looks more coherent and united.
Group E- The spicy European battle
Teams: Germany, Spain, Japan and intercontinental qualifier (Costa Rica or New Zealand)
Definitely the most anticipated game of the group stage will be between Germany and Spain. Both the former champions had two consecutive disappointing World Cups after winning the previous two and they will be keen to go a long way this time.
Die Mannschaft under energetic coach Hansie Flick and La Roja under Luis Enrique have enough talents and good mixture of youth and experience to go all the way. Japan, on the other hand, with many stars with European experience and ever-doggedness may become a big threat in their own continent.
Group F- The last chance for golden generation
Teams: Belgium, Croatia, Morocco, Canada
Belgium’s so called golden generation will be keen to yield at least one big trophy and surely it will be their last chance as their star players have reached twilight of their career. The runners up of last edition, Croatia, will also be eager to keep their reputation.
But Morocco under their sage coach Vahid Halilhodzic, who has led three teams before them in the gala event, may become a surprise a surprise package as they have talent like UCL winner Hakim Ziyech while Canada, who have qualified after 28 years will be a tough bunch to fight with the presence of Bayern Munich star Alphonso Davies.
Group G- Samba dream of conquering the world again
Teams: Brazil, Switzerland, Serbia, Cameroon
Once upon a time World Cup trophies used to be won by South American and European sides by rotation but in the turn new century the latter has won four consecutive tournaments in a row and their supremacy looks unbreachable. However, Brazil, the most successful team in the history with five titles including the perennial holder of Jules Rimet trophy and the last non-European side to win back in 2002, will be eager to break this. The likes of Neymar, Alisson, Coutinho and Fabinho have good chances to challenge the European superpowers.
However, Switzerland will be inspired from their 1-1 draw against the country of Samba dance and their recent success of toppling down World Champions France from Euro will be a huge boost. Serbia, who have some good players doing well in European top flight, and Cameroon, the Indomitable Lions, will be tough nuts to crack.
Group H- The group of death
Teams: Portugal, Uruguay, South Korea and Ghana
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal, who also have myriad of talents like Bruno Fernandes, Diego Jota and David Silva, may be favourite in the group but all three other teams will give a hard run for their money.
The twice champions Uruguay will be inspired by experienced players like Luis Suarez and Edison Cavani while South Korea, who went through to semi-final, in last World Cup held at Asia will be a great force to reckon with superstar Son Heung-min and former Portuguese coach Paulo Bento. Ghana, the highly physical team led by Andre Ayew, the son of legendary Abedi Ayew, will utilize his experience of playing for Qatar club Al Sadd and will be a very difficult side to overcome.