For football fans, this year Christmas has come late, and it’s come during Christmas.
Just as we start seeing the trees go up and you have to start thinking about gifts, the friggin World Cup begins. What a gift!
What has always been a summer carnival is now a winter festival. It is only right this happens to ensure the World Cup is truly a global tournament, and finally an Arab nation can host the greatest sporting event on earth.
For the next four weeks, over one billion people will watch 32 nations compete. With great goals, tense games and most of the best players in the world, there is so much that makes a World Cup the most watched event on earth. Every single game is an event in itself and a chance to make history.
Every World Cup starts with a host of questions that always pull-out surprising answers. How will the established hierarchy do? What dark horses will emerge? Can the top players produce on the biggest stage? Who will make themselves an overnight star? These questions will only be answered once the tournament is underway but here is a seasonal guide of what you can expect from each team in World Cup 2022 Qatar.
Group A
Perceived to be one of the weaker groups in the tournament, the combination of European giant vs Middle Eastern debutant vs Africa’s new champions vs South American World Cup veterans will present us the type of culture clash games which makes this tournament everything it is.
Qatar
A bit like being served sprouts at this time of year, a lot of people think they stink and shouldn’t even be included, but the host nation has been given the opportunity to leave their mark on world football history and they will be doing everything they can to do so.
Expect a super-fit side being driven on by home pride and favourable refereeing. They will play with no fear but not much real quality either.
Christmas star: 31-year-old captain Hassan Al-Haydos is their main man and will play as such, either from the wing or as an attacking central midfielder. Expect him to make history as Qatar’s first ever goalscorer in a World Cup tournament.
Stocking surprise: The team may play better football than expected, due to the Spanish influence on their game. Tiki Taka pass master and Barcelona legend Xavi has managed 13 players in this squad during his time managing their club Al-Sadd, and ex-Barcelona youth coach (who Xavi played under) Felix Sanchez has been in charge of Qatar since 2017 implementing a passing style on the team, which helped them win the Asia Cup for the first time in 2019. They may be slicker than your average side!
Prediction: The team have no players that have any real experience anywhere beyond the Arab nation leagues. At this level, they will do well to scramble a draw before going out at the group stage. Anything else will be suspicious.
Ecuador
Having first qualified for a World Cup in 2002, the South American minnows have only missed out on qualifying for one tournament since then. A bit like getting socks for Christmas, they are not that exciting and have a pragmatic approach to their football. Although they have had bigger stars in previous tournaments, they have as much chance as ever of repeating their best achievement (group qualification) due to the group they are in.
Star decoration: Enner Valencia is the captain and star name in the squad. The veteran forward is a proven goalscorer and comes into the tournament on great form with 13 goals in 12 games for Fenerbache this season.
Stocking surprise: Ecuador have the spine of a top young side emerging, led by Brighton’s trio of defender Pervis Estupinan, and midfielders Jeremy Sarmiento and the standout Moises Caicedo. Along with Gonzalo Plata, a winger at Vallodid in Spain, Ecuador could catch the eye for young talent as they battle for qualification.
Prediction: Ecuador will spring a surprise and push Senegal aside to qualify from the group. But that is as far as they can go.
Senegal
The West Africans would have been absolutely relishing this tournament, coming in as reigning champions of their continent, if not for the unfortunate absence of star player Sadio Mane. Whilst that significantly drops expectations, the team still have a great blend of experience mixed with potential. Like going to your work Christmas party, you do not know quite what to expect in this tournament from Senegal. They could provide us with lots of thrills or they may be a damp squib.
Star decoration: Without Bayern Munich’s Mane, Captain Kalidou Koulibaly is the only other player in the squad that some may call world class, although his early time at new club Chelsea has not proven it so far.
Stocking surprise: Ismaila Sarr and Illiman Ndiaye have been lighting up the Championship (England’s second tier division) for Watford and Sheffield United respectively with goals, flair and skill. Both could both start together as wingers for Senegal and will be keen to make their mark.
Prediction: Despite having a good amount of top league experience in the squad, key players like Koulibaly, Cheick Kouyate and Idrissa Gueye seem to have seen better days. They will be no pushovers, but will be in a battle to qualify from the group, a battle I see them losing to Ecuador.
Holland
Probably the only team now that have giant status in world football that have not won the World Cup, Holland come into this tournament looking to give 71-year-old legendary coach Louis Van Gaal – diagnosed with cancer – a fairytale finish to his career. Although not the most exciting Dutch squad compared to past years, the team have a lot of quality, good form and lots of ambition.
Star decoration: Virgil Van Dijk has been perceived as the best defender in the world for most of the last five years, and in this Holland team he will be given the opportunity to prove it. Just behind him, Frankie De Jong has the potential to get similar recognition as a central midfielder.
Stocking surprise: The selection of uncapped Xavi Simons in the squad has excited many, especially as he has played much of the season spectacularly as a striker for PSV Eindhoven, which is a position where the Holland squad lack the depth of other positions. His clubmate winger Cody Gakpo may also become the world’s most wanted player if he takes his club form into the World Cup.
Prediction: This Holland squad have incredible strength in depth in defence, and a good amount of solid reliable midfielders with a touch of class. If the forward line can come to form, they could win the whole thing, which I believe they will do.
Group B
A group with teams that are all directly connected through real world history and politics, games between such nations usually play out with an extra edge. Expect nothing less in this group, making it as tense as family Christmas dinner with relatives you know dislike each other.
England
When it comes to tournaments, England are arguably the most in-form team in the World Cup, having reached the semi-final and then final of the last two they played in. Yet, the expectation around them does not reflect this, both from within England and overseas. This may be because as increasingly good as the team’s forward line looks, their defensive capabilities cannot seem to keep up.
Star decoration: The argument that Harry Kane is the best attacking player in the world today should not be dismissed. His vision, his finishing, his power and his intelligence make him an undeniable force, standing head-and-shoulders above all others in the squad.
Stocking surprise: On paper, Gareth Southgate has been a fantastic manager for England, arguably their second best-ever. A closer analysis of his in-game management may reveal the same and I see that becoming evident in this World Cup, especially with a 26-man squad and five substitutions available.
Prediction: This England squad have a lot of tournament experience as a collective and just as much individual quality. As such, they should get to the quarter-finals at least.
Iran
Making their fifth appearance at a World Cup tournament, this may be Iran’s best chance ever of going beyond the first stage, with many feeling they are on equal footing with two (USA and Wales) of the other teams in their group. Regardless, Iran fans should keep their expectations low, like a father unwrapping gifts from his family.
Star decoration: In Mehdi Taremi, Iran have a player that is in the prime of his career, having scored over 60 goals for FC Porto since 2020. He is good enough to regularly star at a Champions League level and will be primed to be the nation’s talisman for this World Cup.
Stocking surprise: Sardar Azmoun is a forward with a serious goal threat, although that is not evident from his time with Bayer Leverkusen over his last two injury plagued seasons. Before that though, he scored 62 goals in four seasons for Zenit Petersburg. Although not a starter for Iran, with five-subs when the 6ft 1in striker comes off the bench, he will be a handful for any defence.
Prediction: Iran’s vastly experienced coach Carlos Queiroz compliments a squad which has only one player under-25 in the entire squad. This veteran mentality will make them difficult to get a result against. However, the man they rely on (Taremi) will need to outperform the likes of Gareth Bale to send Iran through to the second round, which I do not see happening.
USA
With one of the youngest squads in the tournament, expectations are not the highest for this US team but hope is, as the team has a lot of potential they will get the opportunity to fulfil in this World Cup. Expect intensity, moments of individual brilliance and a whole lot of effort, like the traditional game of charades with the family on Christmas day.
Star decoration: Christian Pulisic is arguably the US’s first ever player with real world class potential. An exceptional dribbler with a knack for goals, whilst he is struggling to make a consistent impact at Chelsea Pulisic will relish the chance to star for the USA.
Stocking surprise: The attacking ability of this side may shock some teams. Timothy Weah, Giovani Reyna, Brenden Aaronson and Jesus Ferreira are all top talents that the side can use interchangeably, guaranteeing to trouble all the defences they play against.
Prediction: The US had for their standards a poor showing in their qualification group, finishing behind Canada and Mexico and conceding more goals than all teams in their group but the bottom four teams. This defensive weakness is likely to cost them when facing sides with quality players like Taremi, Kane and Bale. Expect exciting games but no qualification for USA.
Wales
Qualifying for their first tournament in 64 years, this tournament is a huge deal for the football mad Welsh. Both the side and the fans will be embracing every moment of this tournament, knowing they are one of the smallest nations in the competition with no expectations of them, allowing them to play with a freedom all can enjoy.
Star decoration: Gareth Bale seems to have decided to place himself into semi-retirement a few years ago. As such, many forget just what the Welshman is capable of. At 33, Bale still has enough left in the tank to carry Wales once again.
Stocking surprise: Aiding Bale will be some basic but capable forwards such as the speedy Daniel James and the strong Keiffer Moore. Most likely to impress though is 21-year-old Brennan Johnson of Nottingham Forest, a classy and explosive athlete that will be part of Wales three-man attack at some point.
Prediction: Gareth Bale is a big game player and for him, nothing will be bigger than representing Wales at the World Cup. With a few spectacular moments from him and maybe a few others, plus a lot of grinding from their defensive players, this Wales team will qualify from this group- just.
Group C
Undoubtedly, one of the main narratives around this World Cup is the fact it is surely Lionel Messi’s last, and as such, during the early stages there are not many other groups that will get as much attention as Group C. Becoming part of that narrative are Poland, Mexico and Saudi Arabia, three nations with limited ambitions and matching quality. Like the fabled three wisemen, they are just there to follow the great star everyone is watching.
Argentina
A nation with as much legacy – if not as many trophies – in the World Cup as any other nation on earth, a winning tournament has long been expected of them, yet failed to come. Could this finally be their year?
Star decoration: As the world builds up to celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, a current living deity will have arguably his career defining moment, as Messi looks to cement his GOAT claim with a World Cup. This side, not as talented across the pitch as other Argentina teams Messi has been in, have happily moulded themselves into an aggressive resilient unit around their diamond Messi, giving him a chance to sparkle as well as ever. Remember too, it will be his strike partners (like Lautaro Martinez) that will profit from his magic too.
Stocking surprise: In Lisandro Martinez and Christian Romero, Argentina have potentially the best centre-back partnership in this competition. The two are ultra-aggressive, mobile and good on the ball, potentially giving this side the perfect base to play off for a proper shot at winning the whole thing. However, coach Lionel Scaloni has previously preferred veteran Nicolas Otamendi instead of Martinez, a choice which if made will bring great scrutiny, given Martinez’s great form for Manchester United this season.
Prediction: The dearth of talent in this Argentina team is overexaggerated. Behind those already mentioned, Paulo Dybala is capable of playing at a world class level, Angel Di Maria is a veteran with elite experience and still the ability to have game winning moments, Julian Alvarez and Thiago Almada are two of the best young attacking talents on earth…and I could go on. Driven by a desire to help Messi fulfil what many see as his destiny, this side will take some stopping, and that at best will only come in the semi-final or final.
Poland
This current Poland side is arguably the best the nation has had since the 70s. With only three squad players that are playing club football in Poland, the experience of the side is deep and their ambitions will match. Poland will expect to qualify from this group and will fear no one in a one-off match.
Star decoration: Robert Lewandowski’s current form at new club Barcelona seem to show he is playing as well as ever, even at 34-years-old. As ever, it will be believed that if you stop Lewa, you stop Poland. But as his 18 goals in 19 matches this season show, that will be easier said than done.
Stocking surprise: The attacking support Lewandowski has is underrated. In Arkadiusz Milik, Poland have another match-winner. The Juventus forward has a cultured left-foot capable of creating and scoring. Napoli creator Piotr Zielinski is on current form one of the best attacking-midfielders in the world. Jakub Kaminski and Michal Skoras are both young wingers being watched by Europe’s top clubs.
Prediction: This Poland side are primed perfectly for a serious run in this World Cup. They have the best number nine in the competition playing for them, with an able attacking line-up to support him and importantly some defensive nous to keep balance of it all. They should be better than Mexico and Saudi, and probably even better than anything Group D can throw at them too, including a depleted France side. Lewandowski will lead them to the quarter-finals.
Mexico
This Mexico squad come into this tournament with the unfortunate expectation that qualifying from the group is the minimum they should do, given they have done it every World Cup since 1994. They will go about trying to achieve that with a side based on high-energy and aggression, and getting goals (which may be an issue) through direct fast football. Yet, like a kid that finally learns Santa is not real, Mexican fans may be disappointed this winter.
Star decoration: Whilst Hirving Lozano (Napoli winger) will be who most expect to shine for Mexico, Raul Jimenez is a quality forward that simply has not regained form after a bad injury. In this Mexico side though, things will be built around getting the best out of the strong and classy forward, and with that support he should shine brightest.
Stocking surprise: This Mexico side have some solid defensive players with quality that may see them very difficult to beat. See Ajax duo Edson Alvarez and Jorge Sanchez, along with PSV midfielder Erick Gutierrez.
Prediction: Mexico have enough about them to get one or two good results in this group, but to qualify they will need to beat one of Poland and Argentina and I cannot see that happening.
Saudi Arabia
In a tournament in Qatar, Saudi Arabia will be desperate to give a respectable showing this World Cup. Do they have the quality to do so? Is Christmas celebrated in Saudi Arabia?
Star decoration: Saudi have a couple of homegrown veterans that will carry the burden to perform, but most likely to really shine for them is 22-year-old striker Firas Al-Buraikan. A quick and agile forward with an eye for goal, if anyone can star for their team (which will be difficult in this group) it will be him.
Stocking surprise: The real surprise may just be how bad Saudi are. As squads of teams like Poland improve due to their players getting top league experience across Europe, the likes of Saudi Arabia really will find it difficult not to lose by 3-4+.
Prediction: Saudi Arabia will do well to score a goal and keep the goals they concede under double figures this tournament.
Group D
A group favouring two established European footballing nations, Group D will be about how good Denmark and France are. Australia and Tunisia, lacking quality they have had in previous years, will be hoping stuffings do not come early this Christmas.
Australia
Having qualified for the World Cup five times a row after qualifying once ever before that, Australia have established themselves as a real football nation. With that though comes the inevitable transitionary periods where top players retire and there is a wait for quality youngsters to come through to replace them. That is where Australia are, and like a kid on 23rd December, this is not the time when they will find what they are looking for.
Star decoration: Ajdin Hrustic is the most talented player in this squad. The Bosnian born creator is doing well for Hellas Verona in Serie A, and with the number 10 on his back, he will be expected to lead all that is good for this Australian team.
Stocking surprise: Many fans will be waiting to watch Garang Kuol, the highly rated 18-year-old forward that is full of pace and explosive strikes who signs for Newcastle after the World Cup. At some point, Kuol will be given his chance. A very different style of player may also catch the eye, in Stoke centre-back Harry Soutar, who has six goals in 10 games for Australia due to his proficiency in the air at 6ft 6in. Injuries have stopped him playing much for Stoke this year, but he will likely start for Australia in at least one game.
Prediction: Australia do not have the quality to do much in this group. At best, they may beat Tunisia, but getting by France and Denmark is beyond them, as they are a nation waiting for a new generation to emerge and lead them towards progress beyond simply qualifying for the World Cup.
Denmark
The Danes are a lot of people’s dark-horses in this competition, due to a well-balanced side that work in sync in a way that looks akin to a club side. The side are strong, inventive and ambitious, and thus will expect to qualify from this group at least.
Star decoration: The Christian Eriksen redemption story – who is back in the team after nearly dying during Euro 2020 playing for Denmark due to a heart-attack – is one of the best narratives in this World Cup. The creator turned midfield dictator for Manchester United is having a fantastic season so far, winning over fans with his intelligence and vision. There is no doubt, he is the man that can make a workman like Denmark sparkle.
Stocking surprise: The public seem to have forgotten how good Mikel Damsgaard is after his great performances in last year’s Euro 2020 competition, due to the fact he has not shined so far for Brentford, mainly because he is still adjusting to a new club and new league. But the attacking midfielder/winger has real ability and a role in this side that will allow him to remind the world how good he is. Beyond him, the defensive spine of the team is going to take some beating with the Viking like strength and aggression of Pierre Hojbjerg, Thomas Delaney, Simon Kjaer, Joachim Anderson and Andreas Christensen.
Prediction: Denmark should cruise through this group and if France have not yet found a midfield solution to replace their reliance on the injured Ngolo Kante-Paul Pogba combination, they may do so above France too.
France
Never has a team been so good as defending champions yet been so largely overlooked to defend their title. The quality is there, but there seem to be too many changes and young players coming in for people to believe in their side. But all that really matters is if this side believe they can win it themselves. That will be apparent from how they deal with a stubborn Australia in their first game.
Star decoration: Kylian Mbappe is arguably the best player on earth right now. Having made his name by winning the World Cup at 18 with a starring role for France, all eyes will be on him and the electric forward with an abundance of skill will be looking to perform.
Stocking surprise: The midfield combo of Ed Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni have been connecting well at Real Madrid under expert guidance, and if they start together we could see the beginning of a partnership that will lead France and Madrid for years yet. Just as surprising though, may be how veterans like Oliver Giroud and Antoine Griezmann fail to perform as they did in 2018, leaving France wondering why they still rely on these players past their peaks.
Prediction: France should not be readily dismissed. The elite quality throughout the squad, with a good start they will build real confidence that should take them to at least the quarter-finals and maybe the semis. A step further this year will be beyond them.
Tunisia
The perennial African qualifiers are at a point they are just happy to be at the World Cup, knowing they had an easy route to get there, facing only one side that have ever qualified for the tournament to win their place in Qatar. And even then, they barely made it. So their older players will just embrace getting the chance to play on such a big stage and the few young prospects they have will play with no pressure.
Star decoration: Wahbi Kazri has gone from journeyman player to an established goalscorer in France’s top league. With this experience behind him and the number 10 on his back, Kazri is Tunisia’s current star.
Stocking surprise: Hannibal Mejbri is a precocious talent, as a skilful creative midfielder that has been groomed for greatness by Manchester United (currently on loan at Birmingham). Mejbri plays with energy and craft and will get enough game time to really show how good he is on the world’s biggest football stage.
Prediction: Tunisia do not have enough ability in this squad to qualify, but their experience and togetherness as a team that were mostly together in 2018 too may mean they can get a point or two on their way out.
Group E
In a group that contains two of the last three World Cup winners, it may be hard for some to find excitement in this group. If you are not a grinch though, a closer look at the two other teams will reveal this is going to be one of the more exciting groups in the competition.
Germany
The 2014 World Cup winners still have three players from that side in their current squad, underlining the winning mentality within the team that exists in all German sides. For once, very little is expected of them but as nearly always, they have the ability to go all the way. Like the orange crème in a box of Quality Streets, expect to see the Germans hanging around until the very end.
Star decoration: Joshua Kimmich is thought of by many as the best in the world in his (current) position of defensive midfielder (which nowadays includes responsibility on the ball too). A visionary passer, composed on the ball and defensively astute, Kimmich will be conducting affairs for this German side in their most key role.
Stocking surprise: The world is excited to see Germany unleash its elite teenage talents (Jamal Musiala, Karim Adeyemi and Youssoufa Moukoko) but the surprise will be just how good their veterans still are. Thomas Muller, Manuel Neuer and Ilkay Gundogan are 101-years-old combined but provide the German’s with an experienced and still very capable spine they will turn to regularly.
Prediction: This side are for some reason being overlooked, with other national teams looking a bit sexier on paper. On their best day though, this German side are better than every team on this side of the draw except Brazil, meaning we are likely to see the German’s in the semi-final at least.
Spain
Unlike Germany, the 2010 Spanish winners have only one player from their cup winning side 12-years-ago, suggesting they lack that winning experience that can guarantee them a good run in this tournament. To look at their squad though, is to see quality throughout. Like a housewife looking at her Christmas feast though, the question is, will it be enough?
Star decoration: The young stars Spain have brought to the tournament are largely already established players showcasing their talent on a weekly basis, and thus they are primed to shine on this stage. This cast includes pacey wingers Yeremy Pino, Nico Williams and Ansu Fati (all 20), pass-master midfielders Gavi (18) and Pedri (19), and classy defenders Eric Garcia (21), Alejandro Balde (19) and Hugo Guillamon (22). This incredible caste of young talent could light-up this tournament.
Stocking surprise: Cesar Azpilicueta and Aymeric Laporte have been two of the best defenders in the Premier League for five years now. The two will be able to highlight just why they are so rated on the world’s biggest stage during this tournament.
Prediction: This tournament may be a touch too early for the same exciting young group that are set to light-up the tournament. Spain are more than good enough to reach the quarter-finals but once things get gritty, they may not have the attacking nous to get the goals they need to win the big games.
Japan
The Japanese are proven excitement in major tournament football, bringing energy, invention and attacking football, as well as everyone’s favourite fans (because they clean up after themselves). Japan bring one of their most experienced squads to a tournament ever, with 10 players 29-years-old or over, giving them hope of having enough steal to pull-off a big upset by qualifying from this group.
Star decoration: Signed by Barcelona when he was just 10, “The Japanese Messi” had to leave the Catalan giants because they broke FIFA rules in bringing him to Spain as a pre-teen. Real Madrid then picked him up and loaned him out to a variety of Spanish teams, before eventually selling him to Real Sociedad where he remains. In that time, Kubo has become a top quality attacking midfielder in a typical Spanish mould, meaning he may not get many goals and assists, but he will be constant threat in the last third against any team with his creativity, close control and composure.
Stocking surprise: The impact of Takehiro Tomiyasu at Arsenal has been underrated, as other signings have taken the shine. But speak to any hardcore gooners and they will tell you the fullback (capable of playing on the left or right) has brought a serious level of defensive resistance and attacking energy to the side from that role. Look out for more of that in this tournament.
Prediction: This Japan team unfortunately are in a group where they are unlikely to get a result from two of three sides. They will still give both a real challenge though, especially with a more experienced side complimented with a fluid attack. Like pulling a Christmas cracker, they are a fun part of the event that will come-and-go quickly but leave their mark regardless.
Costa Rica
Since the turn of the millennium, Costa Rica have qualified for every World Cup but one. Before that, they had only qualified once. Costa Rican football has now reached a level where they feel they should be at every World Cup. However, they are so this time whilst still relying on a few of the same players they have had for the last eight-years, and also missing a few of them too.
Star decoration: The names Bryan Ruiz and Joel Campbell will standout most and the side will still be relying on the two veterans for their goals, but it will their defence (the best in North America’s qualifying group) which will shine most as they attempt to put up resistance against the more rated teams in their group. The defence is safeguarded by goalie Keylor Navas who may remind people why he was considered one of the best in the world not so long ago.
Stocking surprise: 18-year-old Jewison Bennette is a young goalscorer that is continuing a family football legacy within Costa Rica. Signed by Sunderland not long after scoring on his debut at 17-years old in his home nation, the quick and skilful forward is following his father and uncle who both played for Costa Rica, giving him a great pedigree to build off. Given the number nine shirt for this tournament, Bennette will be looking to justify the faith showed in his selection.
Prediction: Costa Rica will be resistant but will find it hard to penetrate any of the teams they face in this tournament, evident from the fact they rely on veterans and a teen for their goals. From this group Costa Rica will not progress.
Group F
Due to the fading powers of Croatia and Belgium, coupled with the enthusiasm of a Morocco side in their prime and a Canada side riding a wave, this group may be more competitive than it looks on paper. Like a secret Santa exchange, expect some surprises!
Morocco
Morocco only have three outfield players over thirty in this squad which won six of six games in qualifying for the World Cup. With the majority of this squad in their prime, with a couple of standout stars, the team will be as confident as they have been entering a tournament since 1998.
Star decoration: Hakim Ziyech is undoubtedly a ultra-talented footballer. Although his talent is being far from nurtured in the stacked Chelsea squad, with 18 goals in 43 games for his national team, it is clear he is given the opportunity to shine as bright as he can in this side. A player capable of spectacular moments, expect at least one this World Cup.
Stocking surprise: A lot of the world seem to be unaware the Achraf Hakimi is one of the best fullbacks on earth. At times he has been used on the left for this side as they have another quality right-back in Noussar Mazraoui, wherever he plays Hakimi – who embraces a talisman-esque role for his country – will show how good he really is.
Prediction: Although not as poor as one may think given how the squad looks on paper, Morocco still find it hard to step-up and beat the B-level teams they face, let alone the A-level teams, evident from a 3-0 humbling against the USA earlier this year. They will have some spectacular moments but Morocco will not qualify from this group without a complete implosion from the other sides.
Canada
36-years since they last qualified for the World Cup, Canada are riding the quest of a wave having looked superb in topping the North American qualifying league, ahead of rivals USA and Mexico. For the first time ever, the side have players of actual top-league quality and the rest of the side are willing to work around them for results. The Canadians will take to this tournament with the same level of excitement the rest of their country shows for Christmas.
Star decoration: Alphonso Davies of Bayern Munich is well established as possibly the best left-back on earth. The lightning quick and skilful left-footer plays a more attacking role for his nation though, and it is one he has fully embraced with some outstanding displays from left-wing.
Stocking surprise: This side know they will need to concede pressure and withstand wave-after-wave of attacks to survive, but they do that with determination knowing they have a real threat on the counter in Davies and particularly Jonathan David, a young striker that has learnt to lead the line on his own superbly, with strength, pace and a natural goalscoring instinct, evident from his fantastic record of 22 goals in 35 games for Canada.
Prediction: With their momentum, there will be at least one surprise victory from this Canada team. Will that be enough to get them into the second stage of this competition? That is unlikely but possible.
Croatia
Having finished as runners-up in 2018, Croatia are in a place where they will find it hard to better that achievement, in this tournament or ever again. Although a proper footballing nation that regularly produce top quality players, Croatia expect more than just getting past the group stages of this competition.
Star decoration: Although he is now 37-years-old, if managed correctly Luka Modric can still be the best midfielder in the world on any given day. One of the game’s best dictating passing midfielders ever, Croatia’s hopes still weigh on him showing this at this World Cup.
Stocking surprise: Every football club giant on earth have spent some time watching the immensely rated centre-back Jsoko Gvardiol. One that has gone more under the radar is Luka Sucic, a 6ft 1in athletic winger with real ability, albeit unproven at any decent level. Coaches did think enough of him to include him in this World Cup squad though, and he will be given the opportunity to show why.
Prediction: This is not the Croatia of old, but the nation have reached a level where they are good enough at all times to clear a group like this. Getting any further will be a struggle, particularly due to the fact they have not found an adequate replacement for their former striker Mario Mandzukic, who has retired to become assistant manager of the national team.
Belgium
The Golden Generation of Belgium – and it really was golden – are on their last legs and have one final opportunity to fulfil their potential. They do so with more of that generation in the squad then they wish they needed to rely on, but the quality in the squad is undeniable, giving them potential to still have a great tournament.
Star decoration: Kevin De Bruyne is most people’s answer to “Who is the best midfielder in the world today?”, and for good reason. Incredibly two-footed, with the ability to create chances for his teammates from areas where only he sees a pass, KDB has all of Belgium’s hopes pinned on him, especially due to Eden Hazard’s stunning drop in standard.
Stocking surprise: With Hazard off form, Dries Merten’s off his peak, Romelu Lukaku injured and Belgium’s other forwards a bit too young to expect anything from, Brighton’s Leonard Trossard will be given the chance to take his excellent club form into the World Cup, and the intelligent forward is good enough to repay that faith with his ball striking ability and movement.
Prediction: Belgium have eight outfield players in the squad that are over 30-years-old, and at least four of them are likely to be in the starting line-up. Relying on so many players past their peak will see Belgium like the film schedule of terrestrial TV during the holidays; not as good as they once were and thus in a big upset I see Belgium failing to qualify from the group stage.
Group G
This group contains Brazil, making it a bit like a box of Quality Streets, in that everyone’s there for their favourite but will take whatever comes with it. What comes with favourites Brazil is a determined Cameroon team, an experienced Swiss side and one of the tournament’s real dark-horses in Serbia, making the potential games in this group one of the most exciting in the tournament.
Brazil
Tournament favourites in most people’s eyes, it is easy to see why Brazil are so rated. The team have quality and experience across their line-up and through their squad. Now twenty years since their last World Cup tournament win, at their rate Brazil are due, and thus all eyes will be focused on them to set a standard in every game they play.
Star decoration: As always, Brazil give their attacking talisman the iconic number 10 shirt, meaning Neymar – as he has been for the last 10 years – is the man who will lead the samba stars assault on the trophy. However, in terms of form, Vinicius Jnr of Real Madrid may just be the best attacker in this Brazil side, and the 22-year-old will be desperate to stake his claim for the 10 shirt from the 30-year-old Neymar.
Stocking surprise: Brazil’s incredible strength-in-depth in their attack has been duly noted by the football world, but their superb central (more defensive) midfielders have been overlooked amid this. In Casemiro and Fabinho, Brazil have two men that have arguably been the best in the world in this position, and in Bruno Guimaraes they have a man that looks like he will be the next best in the world in this position.
Prediction: Brazil are immensely driven based on their incredible squad, which only lacks quality fullbacks (for once in Brazilian history). Everywhere else, they have world class players across the pitch. With this quality, they will be in the semi-finals at worse, and whoever beats them will need to defend with their lives and have the luck of the football Gods on their side.
Serbia
After an unbeaten run through qualifying for the World Cup (which included besting Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal), Serbia will be determined to not only qualify from this group, they will be determined to go on a run which will earn them a place among football’s established elite.
Star decoration: Whilst the two Dusans – Vlahovic and Tadic – are the names that most catch-the-eye in this squad, it is Sergej Milinkovic-Savic that really makes this team tick in a way that may make the entire world – and all of club football’s giants – take notice.
Stocking surprise: Aleksandar Mitrovic has spent six seasons carrying Fulham on his back, and until this season he has looked like he was unable to do that in the Premier League. Now though, Mitrovic is playing like a man possessed, inspired to lead and determined to score, using his physicality and reading of the game to cause problems to any defender, which will include those he faces in this World Cup.
Prediction: Serbia should not only be good enough to qualify from this group, but like that auntie that loves her wine, they will take some stopping this World Cup even in the knockout stages, which could see them reach the quarter-finals.
Cameroon
A familiar and popular World Cup regular, African giants Cameroon are not the force they have been in previous years, mainly because most of the squad are still finding their feet at this level, with nine squad members under 25-years-old. Expect them to still be as competitive as ever, and have a tournament which will establish who will lead their next generation.
Star decoration: Andre Onana is arguably the only world class player in the squad. The goalkeeper is just settling into life in Italy for Inter Milan after several successful years starring for Ajax in Holland.
Stocking surprise: Number 9 Jean-Pierre Nsame has scored 16 goals already in Switzerland, which may give him confidence when facing the Swiss national team. A penalty-area predator with great movement, it would be surprising if Nsame does not score at least once in this team where he is the key focal point.
Prediction: Cameroon’s starting XI may include players from the Chinese, Swiss, Saudi-Arabian, Russian and Turkish leagues, showing what a range of standard they may have. Cameroon are a wildcard in this competition, with players unproven in the top leagues but with something about them. With this in mind, do not be surprised to see them take every team they face all the way, before ultimately failing to qualify.
Switzerland
Showing what a competitive group this is, Along with Brazil and Serbia, Switzerland qualified for this tournament in undefeated fashion (whilst Cameroon only lost once!). This Swiss side have largely been together for 10-years, now swapping a youthful exuberance for steely experience in what obstacles they present to their opponents.
Star decoration: Xerdan Shaqiri remains a player the guarantees spectacular moments every few games, and the 31-year-old will still be in charge of leading the creative side of things for this Swiss team, as he has done for a decade.
Stocking surprise: Once another of legendary talent producer club Borussia Dortmund’s rising stars, Manuel Akanji signed for Manchester City considered a back-up centre-back. However, the classy defender has regularly been in the first-team and shining in it too. The Swiss have an excellent defence that only conceded two goals in eight games to qualify for the World Cup, and Akanji will once again the jewel in their defensive crown.
Breel Embolo is a once rated protégé striker that will lead the line for Switzerland, including against his nation of birth Cameroon, making for an interesting game for him incoming.
Prediction: The Swiss will be difficult to beat and they may be the reason this group runs so close. However, they seem to lack the flair the other three teams have so will most likely fail to qualify from this group.
Group H
Probably the most evenly matched group in the squad, they are the only group where every nation has at least one world class player in their team. For the first time in 16-years, that may not include Cristiano Ronaldo to some. Nevertheless, all eyes will be on the star as he makes one last grasp for the only trophy to have eluded him in his career.
Portugal
Although many did say this at the last World Cup, this time it really must be Cristiano Ronaldo’s last chance for the ultimate glory in football. The 37-year-old may soon be playing his football in the USA or Saudi-Arabia, putting him into semi-retirement. Lucky for him, it is arguably the best Portugal side he has been part of, giving them the best chance to succeed.
Star decoration: The player that actually most excites in this Portugal team is Joao Felix, the elegant and fleetfooted forward that many feel is being kept from fulfilling his potential by playing his club football at the notoriously defensive Atletico Madrid team. For Portugal though, whether on the wing or through the middle (which may mean Cristiano Ronaldo starts on the bench), Felix has the freedom to show the world class ability he clearly possesses.
Stocking surprise: In a team full of quality attackers, it may be defender Cancelo that takes most plaudits with his ability to create from fullback (most likely right-back for Portugal). Arguably no other defender in the world can compare to his overall skill level, and when teams sit back against this dangerous Portugal team, he will find himself in space coming from deep, which is exactly how he shines best.
Prediction: Portugal have the ability and the mentality to go out and win this whole tournament. If they can qualify from this group unscatched (without injuries and/or suspensions to key players like defender Ruben Dias) they will go all the way to the final.
Uruguay
Whilst the World Cup has made some teams fan favourites (Japan, Cameroon, Brazil) there are others that have become internationally infamous, and Uruguay are one of them. Party-poopers ever since 1950, like the Grinch, the grey-blues are back to spoil everyone’s festive fun this winter.
Star decoration: Although the legendary duo of Luis Suarez and Edison Cavani remain, unlike the two past-their-prime strikers, Uruguay still have two world class players in box-to-box midfielder Fede Valverde and defender Jose Gimenez.
Stocking surprise: Left-back Mathias Olivera is part of the reason Napoli are having their best-ever start to a season in Italy. Quick, tenacious and as tidy as he is ambitious on the ball, Olivera is quickly establishing himself as world class and this World Cup will be a stepping stone in him doing it.
Prediction: Uruguay have an experienced squad complimented by a midfield in their prime. Whatever the formation (which can fluctuate for Uruguay), Lucas Torreira, Fede Valverde and Rodrigo Bentancur have enough about them to feed their plethora of stikers and support their resilient defence, still led by stalwart Diego Godin. All-in-all, this is surely still a side too good to go out at the group stage, although doing any more than that may be too far a reach.
South-Korea
Ever since 2002, no one underestimates what a South-Korean team can do, and if they did they got punished for it, as Germany did in 2018. In this tournament, the fact that fourteen of their squad still play in South-Korea will tell us just how good the country’s overall football has got, and not just how good their first XI can be, which we already know can beat anyone on their day.
Star decoration: Son Heung-Min is undoubtedly world class. Able to score from anywhere with both feet, he strikes the ball as well as he dribbles. Captain of this team, Son will be doing everything in his power to lead his country to victories and thus should be where all eyes are in their games.
Stocking surprise: Kim Min-Jae is another player that must be credited with helping Napoli start the season so incredibly in Italy. Kim is a 6ft 3in commanding centre-back, with ability on the ball but more importantly a fierce desire to take it away from his opponents. Kim is on the precipice of being a world class defender and will be winning plaudits for his display during this World Cup.
Prediction: Like the Christmas Turkey in the fridge, South-Korea will take some getting rid-off. Like the Turkey though, eventually they will get stuffed away. This team do not have a good enough squad to qualify compared to the other teams in their group.
Ghana
After missing out on qualifying for the 2018 World Cup, Ghana have had time to reorganise and allow some new talent to emerge and embed themselves into the team. With just two players in the squad that play in Ghana, the squad boasts a lot of experience trying to push a few young stars forward to lead them to victories in Qatar.
Star decoration: Thomas Partey is a world class defensive midfielder that has helped Arsenal lead the way in the Premier League this season. Although injury prone, there is no doubt when he is playing consistently Partey can be the difference both defensively and in possession for any team.
Stocking surprise: 18-year-old Abdul Fatawu Issahaku has been raved up since he was 16 as Africa’s next great superstar. An ultra-skilful and pacey attacking midfielder, Issahaku has been signed by Sporting Lisbon who are known to be great at nurturing talent. That talent will be given the opportunity to shine in the World Cup. So highly is he thought of, Ghana coach Otto Addo gave the teen the number seven shirt for the tournament.
Prediction: This Ghana side are going to be dangerous for all sides in this group with a lot of flair in their side, from right-back (Tariq Lamptey), to the frontline (led by the Ayew brothers again). Will it be good enough to qualify? Only if their defence can hold-out against some elite names from Uruguay, South-Korea and Brazil….which is not happening. Out at the group stage!
And there you have it! Holland to win it all! See more predictions on golden boot and others at instagram.com/jazztheory_.
Jazz Theory 