The Qatar World Cup 2022 doesn’t start until the back end of the year; but we’re already into 2022 and you know how quickly time flies; so I’m going to get in early and take a look at the nations who will, in my opinion, shine brightly when the football showcase begins.
I’ll take a look at this piece in 12 months time and see just how close, or how far away, I am. I reckon I can find the winner from five picks and I’m going to take a punt on one outsider. So if I can predict three of the four semi-finalists then I’d say that’s a success.
Here goes…
Two red hot prospects…
Brazil
Nobody in their right mind would have five chances to pick the 2022 winner and leave out the Samba Boys of Brazil. The five times World Cup winners and nine times Copa America champions are managed by former Corinthians boss Tite, and the 60 year old master strategist has a sparkling array of talent from front to back.
As the last line of defence he can choose from the Premier League’s finest, Liverpool’s Alisson and Manchester City’s Ederson. Alisson had two red cards rescinded in the Selecao’s 1-1 draw with Ecuador last week but he is normally the most reliable of stoppers while Ederson’s distribution is second to none. With PSG’s Marquinhos at the back, Real Madrid’s Casemiro in midfield and Neymar up front they have superstars everywhere. Look out for Leeds United winger Raphinha who is fast becoming a Selecao favourite.
France
Italy and England might both fancy their chances in Qatar but the early World Cup 2022 betting oddsare backing the reigning champions to push Brazil all the way… and I agree. Les Bleus are the boys for the big occasion and Europe’s best chance of success.
Head coach Didier Deschamps was a playing legend and he understands his own players implicitly, even managing to get a tune out of Manchester United’s midfield enigma Paul Pogba. France were unbeaten in a tough qualifying group containing Ukraine, and the conveyor belt of talent keeps on delivering. Young stars such as centre backs Jules Kounde and Dayot Upamecano, and 22 year old striker Moussa Diaby have joined the band of proven winners.
Kylian Mbappe announced himself at the 2018 World Cup, scoring France’s fourth goal in their final victory over Croatia and, now 23, he’s a good bet for the Golden Boot.
Two very serious contenders…
Spain
Luis Enrique’s Spain came through their group with flying colours, seeing off a challenge from tough operators Sweden and Greece, and they have a good chance of going deep into the competition in Qatar. They were very unlucky to lose to eventual winners Italy in the Euro 2020 semi-final; having totally bossed the game with 65 per cent possession and 16 shots to seven they cruelly went out on penalties.
Manchester City’s defensive midfielder Rodri could be a key figure, as could his domestic team-mate Aymeric Laporte in the heart of defence. Leipzig’s Dani Olmo and Valencia’s Carlos Soler provide the running in midfield while forward Alvaro Morata is due a big tournament, and 22 year old Milan striker Brahim Diaz could well be the breakout star.
Can Spain emulate their 2010 success and emerge as champions? I think they may fall just short but they’ll certainly be worth watching.
Argentina
With 153 caps and 80 goals for the Albiceleste the great Lionel Messi could bow out from international football at the World Cup; and what a story it would be if he lifted the famous trophy. Head coach Lionel Scaloni can rely on the 35 year-old’s fitness, and he still has the magic in his boots to win any game.
Alongside Messi, Lautaro Martinez is one player who can write some World Cup 2022 news headlines. The 24 year old Inter Milan striker has 18 goals from 36 internationals and he’s in great club form, as is Atletico Madrid’s wide man Angel Correa.
Having ended their 28 year trophy drought by beating Brazil in the 2021 Copa America, the Argentines will no longer lose in their heads. They can only be beaten on the grass, and that’s easier said than done.
And a dark horse…
Netherlands
It’s so good to see the Oranje back on the world stage after they failed to qualify for Russia 2018. They have come back much stronger and Juventus’ Matthijs de Ligt and Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk form arguably the best centre back partnership in world football. With Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong in midfield and Borussia Dortmund’s Donyell Malen up front, a new generation of Dutch footballers are set to win fans world wide.
So friends, the road to Qatar is looming ever closer and there’s a whole host of domestic football to enjoy in the meantime, the climax of the 2021/22 campaigns and the start of 2022/23. Here at SBOTOP we’ll be across all the action every step of the way and then we’ll be at the winter World Cup; and I bet these five teams will play a big part in an extravaganza of footy delight. And one of them will win it…
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