The 22nd edition of the FIFA World Cup kicks off on Sunday, November 20 in Qatar. If France, Brazil and Germany are the favourites, some teams could pull off an upset. Offers from strangers.
Netherlands (Group A)
They come back. After a surprising absence in 2018, the Netherlands are back in Qatar more than ever. If they are not favourites, they have not known defeat (15 matches) since their brutal Euro 2021 elimination by the Czech Republic, and they could create an upset with a young, indifferent squad. Newcomers as Gakpo Valley, Xavi Simons or even Jeremy Frimpong, accompanied by the experience of Virgil van Dijk, Memphis Depay and Frenkie de Jong, will not cower in a relatively “easy” group, before trying to climb, at least, past the box.
Portugal (Group H)
After exiting through the back door in the Round of 16 at the 2018 edition in Russia, Portugal have a lot to prove. Equipped with one of the most complete squads in the current World Cup, combining experience and talent, Fernando Santos’ side could create a surprise by coming off a group largely within reach (South Korea, Uruguay and Ghana), to then goal, why not, To achieve the final victory. How not to mention the chance of Cristiano Ronaldo, who will play the fifth and last World Cup, to once again enter the football legend by carrying his country on the roof of the world.
Denmark (Group D)
In recent years, Denmark has slowly but surely been ranked among the top European teams. The semi-finalists from the last Euro, and their elimination in eighth place 2018 World Cup Finals After a memorable penalty shoot-out against future Croatian finalist, Kasper Hjulmand’s men will have their say in the 2022 edition. France’s future opponents in the group stage, the Danes will have to rely on their experienced players (Kjaer, Christensen, Hojbjerg and Eriksen) and their little nuggets (Skov Olsen and Damsgaard) to try to create an upset and go as far as possible in the competition.
Serbia (Group G)
If there is one team to watch out for in Qatar, it is Serbia. It executed a brilliant attack with Aleksandar Mitrović (9 goals in 12 matches) and Duzan Vlahović (6 goals in 10 matches), as well as equally powerful passes as Dusan Tadic (9 assists in 14 matches) and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic (7 assists) in 14 games), not forgetting Filip Kostic (6 assists), Dragan Stojkovic’s men will be keen to improve their disappointing performance in the 2018 edition, and reach at least the knockout stage before dreaming, why not, of a place in the last four.
Senegal (Group A)
Senegal is ready to write the most beautiful page in its history. After brilliantly winning the Africa Cup of Nations last January, the Teranga Lions arrived in Qatar determined to become the first African country to win the World Cup. With its golden generation, Senegal has reached a milestone and can dream big. Having reached the quarter-finals in 2002, this time Aliou Cisse’s men will have to shake off an affordable group with Holland, Ecuador and host country Qatar. The only downside is the injury to their captain and star player, the indefensible Sadio Mane, who should be able to hold onto his place in the last 16 if his side can qualify. He can then let his magic speak to take his people to the final.
Canada (Group F)
This is probably the biggest prospect among the underdogs. But Canadians should not be taken lightly. After a 36-year wait, they are making their big World Cup comeback and are not short of ambition. Qualifying in style by finishing first in their group, John Herdmann’s defenders will have to rely on their collective strength but also on the talent of their two stars: Jonathan David, who has been on the rise for three seasons with Lille (52 goals), and obviously Bayern phenom Alfonso Davies, whose qualities can no longer be demonstrated. However, if they have to emerge from a strong group with Belgium, Morocco and Croatia, the Canadians can do well and qualify for the historic Round of 16.
