THE FIFA WORLD CUP 2022 QATAR: OVERVIEW OF THE 6️⃣ CONTENDERS- PART ONE

THE FIFA WORLD CUP 2022, QATAR

OVERVIEW OF THE FAVOURITES- PART ONE

-Mitansh Kagalwala


BRAZIL

The Brazilians go to Qatar as the No. 1 Ranked side in the world, looking to add a sixth World Cup to their trophy cabinet. The South Americans are possibly the strongest side in the tournament, with a terrifying frontline featuring an in-form Neymar Jr. Central defence is another part of the team sorted, with Tite able to rely on Eder Militao, Thiago Silva, Marquinhos and Bremer. The fullbacks, however, are the clear sore spot in the squad, with Marcelo, Alex Sandro, Danilo and Dani Alves not exactly the most reassuring of options. Creative midfield is another area where the Brazilians are lacking, but Lucas Paqueta, Neymar, Bruno Guimaraes and Antony, among others, will be their main providers. The overall squad selection by Tite is not without controversy either, with the exclusions of Roberto Firmino and Gabriel Magalhaes in favour of Richarlison and Dani Alves having drawn ire. As always, the Brazilians go into the tournament as favourites, with an excellent mix of young talent and experienced quality, and it remains to be seen how Tite and his men can cope with the pressure. Having stumbled in the final of the Copa America last year, the Brazilians will be even more keen to add another star to their badge.

Predicted Starting Eleven: Alisson; Danilo, Marquinhos, Thiago Silva, Alex Sandro; Casemiro, Fred; Raphinha, Neymar Jr., Vinicius Jr.; Gabriel Jesus

Prediction: Semi-Finals (if both Argentina and Brazil finish first in their groups, they will meet in the semi-finals)

Photo Via: Marca


ARGENTINA

One final World Cup call-up, one final chance to win it for Lionel Messi. The perfect swansong for Argentina’s greatest-ever player. And, this time, he has the supporting cast to do it. Los Albiceleste go to Qatar as one of the pre-tournament favourites, having lifted the Copa America last year, and trounced the winners of the Euros, Italy, in La Finallisima. Argentina’s defence looks rock-solid, with Lionel Scaloni able to call on the likes of Lisandro Martinez, Nicolas Otamendi, Cristian Romero, Marcos Acuna, Nicolas Tagliafico, and Juan Foyth, among others. The midfield also looks good, however, an injury to Giovanni Lo Celso will certainly dampen Argentina’s strength in the middle of the park. The forward line, led by a certain Leo Messi, is as fearsome as they come, second perhaps only to Brazil. Paulo Dybala, Lautaro Martinez, Julian Alvarez, Joaquin Correa, and Angel Di Maria will look to pose a threat alongside Messi. Argentina certainly have the quality to go all the way (Anulo Mufa!), and the squad will certainly be keen to give Messi a World Cup trophy to finally complete his trophy cabinet.

Predicted Starting Eleven: Emiliano Martinez; Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Nicolas Otamendi, Nicolas Tagliafico; Rodrigo De Paul, Leandro Paredes, Enzo Fernandes; Angel Di Maria, Lautaro Martinez, Lionel Messi

Prediction: Finals

Photo Via: Goal

SPAIN

Twelve years on from that legendary team that won everything, including the World Cup in 2010, and the Spanish have finally formed another team capable of lifting the trophy. Luis Enrique’s side features a young core, with Pedri, Gavi, Ansu Fati, Yeremy Pino, Ferran Torres, and Eric Garcia all on the plane to Qatar. The squad is not without its fair share of experience, however, with Sergio Busquets, Dani Carvajal, Cesar Azpilicueta, Jordi Alba, and Koke all earning a place in the squad. Spain’s squad announcement was perhaps the most controversial, with hordes of fans accusing Enrique of having a “FC Barcelona bias”, having left out previously key players such as Sergio Ramos, Thiago, and David De Gea, all not making the trip. Thiago’s injury record has been a concern of late, but his absence is questionable, given the relative lack of experience Spain have in midfield, especially considering Busquets’ recent lack of form. The selection of Jordi Alba over Alejandro Balde was another decision which raised eyebrows, given that Balde has benched Alba for much of the season at FC Barcelona. However, it is understandable that Enrique chose to go with Alba given Balde’s lack of experience at the top level. The Spanish showed promise at the Euros in 2021, and will be keen to forget their World Cup 2014 and 2018 humiliations and get back to the top in international football.

Predicted Starting Eleven: Unai Simon; Dani Carvajal, Aymeric Laporte, Eric Garcia, Jose Gaya; Rodri, Pedri, Gavi; Dani Olmo, Alvaro Morata, Ferran Torres

Prediction: Semi-Finals

Photo Via: Goal


**Note: All predictions based on the World Cup draw and who we think will advance against the teams they are most likely to face in the knockout rounds

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