World Cup Preview Part Two

After visiting the first four groups of the 2022 World Cup, it’s time to look at what exciting matchups await in Groups E, F, G, and H. The first 16contained some exciting teams including a star-studded Netherlands side and a very promising England squad. Now, it’s time to shift the focus and make our predictions for the second set of groups.

Group E:

Germany (Favorites) - Coach Hansi Flick’s side can play with frightening, machine-like efficiency to combine quick passes and create deadly attacks at any point during a game. Many of the team’s world class stars like Joshua Kimmich, Serge Gnabry, and Thomas Müller have already developed years of synergy through playing alongside each other for Bayern Munich. Germany is surely one of the teams to beat in the upcoming World Cup.

Spain (Challengers) - Spain only has one World Cup title to its name, originating back to when the golden era of Spanish football dominated the 2010 tournament and captain Iker Casillas lifted the trophy. This year, coach Luis Enrique’s star-studded lineup includes experienced veterans Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba as well as bright talents like Ansu Fati and Ferran Torres. The squad is well-balanced and prepared to enter the competition.

Japan (Underdogs) - A prepared Japanese team which placed 24th in the FIFA men’s ranking has promising youngsters like Takefusa Kubo and Takehiro Tomiyasu, who pose a threat to the Group E titans Germany and Spain.

Costa Rica (Wild Card) - Costa Rica’s exceptional performance at the 2014 World Cup’s group stages, where the team topped Group D against all odds above Uruguay, Italy, and England, is still fresh in people’s minds. They will no doubt aim to repeat those results in this year’s competition too.

Group F:

Belgium (Favorites) - Despite Eden Hazard’s poor form at Real Madrid and Romelu Lukaku’s unsuccessful spell at Chelsea, Kevin De Bruyne’s stunning performance for Manchester City sparks hope that the Belgium team could have a real impact at the 2022 World Cup, with many considering them to be group favorites.

Croatia (Challengers) - 2018 World Cup finalist Croatia may have lost some firepower with the retirement of Ivan Perišić, Ivan Rakitić, and Mario Mandžukić from international soccer. However, under Luka Modrić’s captaincy, the well-rounded squad has a good chance of making a deep run in this year’s competition.

Morocco (Underdogs) - Underestimating Morocco before the World Cup could prove to be a deadly mistake. The country is placed 22nd in the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) men’s rankings, above the likes of South Korea, Japan, and Poland. The squad has standout players like Hakim Ziyech and Achraf Hakimi and has also proven their teamwork and synergy on the pitch in recent years.

Canada (Wild Card) - Canada, though facing European giants like Belgium and Croatia, could surprise its opponents if talented players like Alphonso Davies step up to the big occasions against the top teams.

Group G:

Brazil (Favorites) - To no one’s surprise, the new FIFA-ranked #1 in the world is a nation that is spiritually fueled by soccer. The Brazil squad, with well known stars like Neymar, Gabriel Jesus, and Vinicius Jr, will surely hope to recover from their recent loss in the Copa América 2021 final by adding a sixth to their record high five World Cups.

Switzerland (Challengers) - Just like in the 2018 competition, Switzerland is matched in the same group as Brazil. The Swiss team surprised many when it knocked out France in the 2022 European Championship and could once again shock the rest of the world in the upcoming contest by making it difficult for a top-class Brazil team.
Serbia (Underdogs) - Serbia face tough competition in Group G but have a good chance of making it into the round of 16 if the squad can perform on the big stage in the early matches and perform against Brazil and Switzerland.

Cameroon (Wild Card) - After failing to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, coach Rigobert Song’s players will certainly have their minds set on making a strong impression in this year’s tournament by making it difficult for its opponents in Group G to qualify for the next round.

Group H:

Portugal (Favorites) - Cristiano Ronaldo had a slow start to the season after a rough summer when he failed to secure a transfer away from Manchester. However, everyone knows that the 37-year-old superstar is a different monster when he plays for his country. Supported by a strong squad with big names like Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva, Portugal is aiming for a deep run in the competition this year.

Uruguay (Challengers) - Uruguay, one of the South American powerhouses in this year’s contest, historically have been one of the most successful countries at the World Cup and will be looking to add a third title to its name. Spearheaded by a prolific striker partnership in Luis Suárez and Edinson Cavani, the star-studded Uruguayan team will be a force to be reckoned with.

South Korea (Underdogs) - South Korea shocked the world when they defeated Germany in last year’s World Cup and held the 2014 World Champions from advancing to the knockout stage. Captain Son Heung-Min has been in amazing form recently, tying Mohamed Salah for the Golden Boot last season in the Premier League. If he continues these performances, he could lead his country far into the upcoming World Cup.

Ghana (Wild Card) - The Ghanian team will aim to erase the failure to qualify for the last World Cup with a strong showing in the group stages, provided that stars like Thomas Partey and Iñaki Williams can take charge on the big stage in a challenging group.

That wraps up all of the groups in the 2022 World Cup. Will this be Neymar, Lionel Messi, or Cristiano Ronaldo’s first World Cup title, or will Kylian Mbappe’s France take the win for a second consecutive tournament? Perhaps an unexpected twist of events will help one of the dark horses of the competition, such as Japan, become world champion. Don’t miss the first match on November 20 as host nation Qatar takes on Ecuador in the Al Bayt Stadium.