The 2022 World Cup gets underway on November 20th with 32 teams heading to Qatar in search of success. This year’s event is the first major international tournament to be held in an Arabic State and the first one to held mid-season. As a result, there are several things to take into consideration when betting on the tournament. Players could potentially be fatigued and several key figures including Romelu Lukaku and Gini Wijnaldum are struggling for fitness ahead of its commencement.
The Favourites
Five-time winners Brazil are understandably the favourites for the tournament and they have been exceptional under Tite. They qualified with ease and have arguably the most talented squad at the tournament. There are also very few injury issues, with Lucas Paqueta expected to recover in time to play some part. Nevertheless, there is plenty of expectation within the country and there is a niggling doubt about the standard of opposition that they’ve faced.
However, there are far more positives than negatives and Brazil are worthy favourites and potential winners in Qatar. They were unlucky to be eliminated at Russia 2018 and will be determined to make amends for that disappointing outcome.
Brazil’s South American rivals Argentina are second favourites to lift the Jules Rimet Trophy in December. La Albiceleste are amid a 35-match unbeaten run and their squad is jam-packed with talent. Lionel Messi will be partaking in his final international tournament and he will be keen to end on a high.
France are the holders and they will be looking to become the first side since 1962 to secure back-to-back titles. However, they haven’t looked completely convincing in 2022 and with both N’Golo Kante and Paul Pogba out of this tournament (plus several doubts), they may come up short in the knock-out rounds.
As always, there will plenty of expectation surrounding England’s chances of success and they have been drawn in a fairly winnable group. However, the Three Lions tend to come up short against top sides and another quarter-final or semi-final exit looks inevitable.
Spain should be much better under Luis Enrique, however, they’ve been drawn in a tough section and may not have the requisite quality in the final third to go all the way. Germany are a far better proposition and they looked far more organised and united under Hansi Flick. The Netherlands have been drawn in a very easy section, however, they have a few injuries and have several players, including Memphis Depay, who aren’t getting regular game-time domestically.
The Underdogs
Denmark are always a tough side to beat and despite being drawn in the same section as France, Kasper Hjulmund’s side are extremely tight-knit and well-organised. Croatia aren’t getting any younger, however, they still possess plenty of talent and experience and having reached the final four years ago, they should be able to make an impression in Qatar.
Prediction
Germany’s dwindling form may be a thing of the past with Hansi Flick having given them a new lease of life. However, this looks set to be between the two favourites in the betting and Argentina’s current form and momentum may be difficult to halt. Lionel Scaloni has managed to galvanise the squad and there is a nice blend of youth and experience in their ranks.
Argentina to WIN - 6/1