World Cup 2022 Preview
As the 2022 World Cup in Qatar edges ever closer footballing experts across the globe begin to make their predictions as to how the tournament may pan out. So naturally I have decided to join them with a whistlestop tour as the most covetous trophy on earth graces the Middle East.
Group A
Just like in 2018 Group A sees four different countries from four different continents face off. The hosts Qatar are joined by the Netherlands, Senegal and Ecuador in a group that may be closer than most anticipate.
As far as most are concerned Qatar are newbies to the domestic international game with The Maroon competing in their first ever World Cup.
However, Qatar have experienced some recent success in Asia when in 2019 they won the AFC Asian Cup in the United Arab Emirates.
The Maroon convincingly saw off Lebanon, North Korea and Saudi Arabia in their group before defeating Iraq, South Korea and UAE in the knockouts setting up a final with Japan (at this point Qatar were still yet to concede a goal).
And despite the fact they couldn’t keep a clean sheet in the final Qatar triumphed 3-1 over Japan in front of 36,000 spectators in Abu Dhabi.
Sudan born striker Almoez Ali also picked up the golden boot at the tournament bagging nine goals for Qatar.
The heavyweights in Group A are without a shadow of a doubt the Netherlands.
Despite only having one domestic trophy to their name (the 1988 Euros) the Dutch have a rich footballing history which has seen them reach three World Cup finals and produce some of the finest talent to grace the game.
During their 1970’s total football era Holland reached back-to-back finals in 1974 and 1978 losing to West Germany and Argentina respectively.
More recent times has seen the Dutch perform impressively at the World Cup. In 2010 they reached the final once again, however it wasn’t to be third time lucky as an extra time strike from Andres Iniesta won the cup for Spain.
In 2014 Holland just missed out on the final following a gut-wrenching penalty shootout defeat against Argentina following a goalless draw. On the bright side however they did breeze past hosts Brazil 3-0 in the Third Place Playoff.
After missing out on the 2016 Euros and 2018 World Cup, Holland returned to the international stage for the 2020 Euros last summer. Unfortunately, Oranje bowed out of the competition in embarrassing circumstances as the ten men were beaten 2-0 by the Czech Republic.
Louis van Gaal’s men should ease through their group but a potential Last 16 faceoff with England would certainly be more of a challenge.
Most people will assume that the current kings of Africa Senegal will join Holland in the knockouts, but Ecuador shouldn’t be written off that easily. La Tri finished 4th in the South American qualifying group (only two points behind Uruguay).
Following Ecuador’s qualification, it’s safe to say that the Chileans haven't been pleased as punch wanting La Tri disqualified from the competition for fielding an ineligible player during the qualification process.
These protests have fallen on deaf ears and Ecuador will be in Qatar facing off with the hosts in the opening game on Sunday 20th November.
The final team in Group A is current AFCON champions Senegal.
The Lions of Teranga are tipped to do well by most and with reason; the current Senegal squad is arguably the best footballing side that Africa has ever seen with a squad oozing with World Class talent.
The Senegalese have players in their squad that represent club football’s elite with representatives from the likes of: AC Milan, Bayern Munich, Chelsea, Monaco, Marseille and of course Reading.
On paper group stage progression should be expected and if they can avoid England in the Last 16 the Africans could set their sights even further.
My Predictions
QAT 2-1 ECU
SEN 0-2 NED
QAT 0-2 SEN
NED 3-1 ECU
ECU 1-1 SEN
NED 1-0 QAT
1. Netherlands
2. Senegal
3. Qatar
4. Ecuador
By Nathan Williams
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