Every four years, the best 32 teams in soccer meet up in one location to play for a World Cup. In November, it will begin in Qatar and will feel nothing like it has before. Firstly, it is being played in the Winter to combat the high heat of the Middle East. Secondly, the World Cup will interrupt the usually scheduled Premier League schedule. Finally, the World Cup will be hosted by a middle-eastern nation for the first time in its history.
This article begins a four week series throughout which I will break down which teams stand a chance in the 2022 World Cup and which teams should just be happy to be there.
Group A:
Ecuador: Pretender
The first team on this list is one that should just be happy to be there. After World Cup qualifying, Chile filed a formal complaint regarding a player on the Ecuadorian team. Byron Castillo was the player in question, and played in eight of the qualifying matches. Chile alleged that he was playing on a fake birth certificate. If this is to be upheld, Ecuador would forfeit all eight matches by a score of 3-0, dropping them from fourth in South America to dead last. Chile is still pushing the disagreement that would gain them a spot in Qatar, and the exact court date is yet to be established. As we near the fall, the matter becomes evermore pressing, as the field must be set by November 21st, preferably earlier. Ecuador will be praying just for a chance to play; if they make it they should be ecstatic.
Image via NY Times
Qatar: Pretender
In reality, Qatar is not good enough to play in the World Cup. However, since its inception in 1930, the host nation has automatically qualified for the World Cup. Qatar is nowhere near the level of some of the other teams and a draw would be a major victory for them. They recently drew with both Lazio and Slovenia, both of whom failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup. Qatar will aim to enjoy their time with home fans but in the end not much is to be expected from the host nation.
Image via Sporting News
Senegal: Contenders
The Lions of Senegal are an underrated team in the 2022 World Cup. Their best player is Sadio Mane, who has recently become a key piece in Bayern Munich, a perennial contender in the Bundesliga. Senegal also won the Africa Cup of Nations in 2021, showing dominance over an entire continent. The key will be able to beat teams from the other 5 (Antarctica is excluded). Senegal also made the finals in 2018, until they ended up losing to France. In 2022, the Lions seek revenge and to win their first ever World Cup.
Image via Africa Top Sports
Netherlands: Contenders
The Netherlands are by far the most solid team coming out of Group A. Throughout all of their qualifying matches they proved to be dominant of opponents. Led by striker Robert Van Persie, the Netherland had a goal differential of on average +4 through their 10 matches, That means that they won by an average of four goals. The Netherlands look solid heading into Qatar, the question is will they be able to keep pace with the rest of the Europeans.
Image via Sky Sports
Group B:
Wales: Pretenders
This pick may surprise to many fans out there, however, Wales seems most likely to not make it out of pool play in Group B. Wales is for many underrated, they just have not proved worthy of valid consideration. It took them until the final day of qualifying to even clinch a spot. They defeated Ukraine by the slim margin of only one goal, even with the home field advantage. Wales is a solid team but they will not make it out of the toughest group, Group B.
Image via Eurosport
Iran: Pretenders
The Iranian National Team is a solid pick in group B, however, it seems that the final two teams outmatch them. Iran plays to win, not to dominate and this will not benefit them in the high scoring Group B. They are a scrappy group, who often earn yellow cards and also more times than not a red as well. However, they do belong in Qatar, as they did show prowess during their qualifying matches. If you are a risk taker, pick Iran to move on; on the other hand, the safe pick is to eliminate them in pool play.
Image via Reuters
United States: Contenders
The Americans will be ecstatic to move out of the group stage of the 2022 World Cup. After missing the World Cup in 2018, the United States will be thirsty for revenge. Led by Christian Pulisic, the American side is the best they have seen in years. The key will be for one player to step up big every game, and then the United States may even win Group B. Jesus Ferreira and Weston McKennie have been productive as of late and with their continued success the U.S.A's men's national team will be well on their way to revenge at the 2022 World Cup.
Image via Sports Illustrated
England: Contenders
England is the second team from the United Kingdom and by far the most dominant team in Group B. Their most notable is striker Harry Kane, who has contributed countless goals to his national team in the past few major world championships. During qualifying, England dominated the competition with victories stretching even as high as a 10-0 defeat of San Marino. The English are not the only solid team in Group B, however, they are the best bet to advance, possibly even as far as the Finals.
Image via Sky Sports
Groups B and A both have their fair share of contenders and pretenders. After part one of the newest series on Sports POV, England is looking like the most solid team. However, do not count out the United States, Senegal, or the Netherlands. All four of those teams have the quality and potential to make a run to the top.
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