In the third installment of "contenders versus pretenders", both groups E and F will be described and which teams could make a run from either of those groups.
Group E:
Spain: Contenders
The 2010 World Cup Champions are a solid team in Group E. Spain is a very underrated squad with many veterans, such as Sergio Ramos and Thiago Alcantara. They went 4-1 in their qualifying spree, with their only loss coming to another solid team in group runners-up Sweden. Sweden, however, lost a match to Poland and did not qualify. Spain played well enough to secure a spot in Qatar, and they will play well enough to advance from pool play.
Image via Sporting News
Germany: Contenders
The second team in Group E to have won a World Cup in the past is Germany. They are by far the most solid team and will look to add a fifth trophy to their World Cup case. The champions in 1954, 1974, 1990, and 2014 are looking solid once again in 2022. With strong players such as Manuel Neuer and Thomas Muller, it looks as if Germany will be the top team from Group E. In a competitive group, Germany looks like the only sure team to advance to the Round of 16.
Image via Sports Illustrated
Japan: Pretenders
As per usual, a team that qualifies later on is often not the strongest team there. In the case of the Japanese, they are the only weak team in Group E. They were the last Asian team to qualify for Qatar and probably deserve it. Their roster does not have any instantly recognizable names from the EPL or other major leagues. Due to a lack of leadership and experience, Japan will almost definitely not make the Round of 16.
Image via Asahi
Costa Rica: Contenders
Costa Rica was the last North American team to qualify and break the mold described for Japan. Contrary to their opponents in Group E, Costa Rica has convincing wins over solid teams, including fellow contenders United States. What they lack in seniority and experience, they make up for in a tenacity to win. During qualifying, Costa Rica earned solid wins over the USA, Canada, and Panama. Costa Rica will live a 'Pura Vida' and leave the group stage. (Pura Vida is the nation's motto and it means 'Pure Life').
Image via MLS Soccer
Group F:
Morocco: Pretenders
The nation of Morocco is only eight miles from Spain, a perennial powerhouse, so maybe some of that prowess "rubbed off" on them. This, however, is not the case as Morocco is just excited to be in Qatar. Although they finished second on the continent of Africa, it just was not stiff competition. The only strong team from Africa is Senegal. Morocco is a second, but a distant second and they will not be much of a challenge in the World Cup. Their best ever finish is the Round of 16 and they will not even make it there this year.
Image via Morocco World News
Belgium: Contenders
As one of the original 13 teams in the 1930 World Cup, Belgium has been around the game for a long time. Even though the teams change through the years, one thing remains constant, a winning spirit. During qualifying, Belgium went undefeated in the ever competitive European groups. Their only draw even came to Wales, a very solid team that will compete in Group B. Belgium is very qualified to be in Qatar, and they will advance from the group stage.
Image via Outlook India
Canada: Pretenders
Although they dominated to reach Qatar, Canada is not a team one should look for to make a run. In their game that clinched a spot, Canada demolished Jamaica 4-0 to secure a berth in the 2022 World Cup, but they are just thrilled to be there. This November will break a 36-year drought from appearing in the World Cup, for those who are mathematically challenged that is 9 straight World Cups! They broke their streak and are in Qatar, but they will not make it very far. The Canadians will almost definitely fall in pool play.
Image via Al Jazeera
Croatia: Contenders
Croatia really is not that good of a team, however, they are the second most solid in Group F. They went undefeated in qualifying with a singular draw to Slovakia. That being said, almost none of those victories were decisive, and all of them were against small teams in Eastern Europe, such as Malta and Moldova. In 2018, they fell to France and that was their best finish, Croatia will be the second team from Europe to advance from Group F, but their joy will not last long and they will fall in the Round of 16.
Image via AP News
Part three was full of ups and downs. Group E is probably the most competitive group in Qatar, where Spain, Germany, and Costa Rica will be fighting to just advance. On the other hand, Group F is very non-competitive as it is a toss up of which bottom team will advance.
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