2022 World Cup favourites, odds and predictions
Never has a soccer World Cup courted so much controversy before even a ball is kicked as the 2022 finals in Qatar. Much has been written and debated since Qatar was awarded the honour of hosting the finals: from taking place in the middle of the European season, criticism of human rights record, to worker health and safety.
So it will be something of a relief to the organisers, and fans alike, when they finally get under way with the opening match between the host nation and Ecuador on November 20th.
Another much talked about aspect of this year’s tournament is the lack of a clear favourite to lift the famous trophy; it could well be the most open tournament for years.
But which among the 32 nations competing are most likely to feature in the final stages of the competition?
The likes of France, Brazil, Germany, Spain and Argentina are understandably considered perennial challengers; and you can throw in 2020 Euro’s Finalists England in to the mix, as well as Belgium and Netherlands.
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Despite not having won a trophy since 2002, 5 time winners Brazil have emerged as slight favourites with the bookies at 4/1. Their form over the last 24 months or so has been impressive – only losing once (Argentina) in their last 28 matches. They finished top of their qualifying group; all their top players are fit, and there seems to be a real balance to the side, combining seasoned campaigners in Allison, Tiago Silva, Coutinho, and Firmino with an abundance of talent in Neymar, Jesus, and Martinelli. Could it be their time again? Brazil’s legion of fans will be desperate for number 6.
Odds +400
Player to watch: Neymar, attacker.
Image – Unsplash
France
News that mercurial midfielder Paul Pogba will miss the finals due to injury will come as a blow to the French side. But such is the strength in depth possessed by the current holders that you would still expect them to advance to the very latter stages. The bookies seem to think so – they have Les Bleus as 2nd favourites at 6/1. Didier Deschamp’s side would be the first since Brazil in 1962 to win back to back World Cup trophies. They certainly have the talent but players like Griezmann and Mbappe will really need to step up and deliver.
Odds +600
Player to watch: Benzema, attacker.
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Argentina
Having finally won his first international trophy at the 2021 Copa America, Lionel Messi will be desperate to add a World Cup winner’s medal to his collection this year. It will almost certainly be his final appearance at the competition and a World Cup medal swinging from his neck would certainly be deserving for the little maestro, whom many consider the GOAT. Lionel Scaloni’s side certainly have what it takes to deliver the ultimate prize. They finished runners up in their qualifying group behind Brazil but did beat their South American rivals in a tight encounter. They have array of talented individuals and seasoned campaigners and seem to be hitting form at the right time. Bookies agree – 3rd favourites +650
Player to watch: Messi, midfielder.
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England
Football nearly ‘came home’ when England, to the surprise of many, made the finals of Euro 2020, eventually losing on penalties (of course) to Italy. So the wait continues for England fans who haven’t seen a major trophy back in the nation that invented the World’s game since winning the World Cup 1966 as hosts. Their best World Cup result since then was a semi-final loss to Germany in 1990, again losing on a penalty shoot-out. Can Gareth Southgate’s young team go the distance this time? With world class strikers like Harry Kane in the side you’ll always have a chance in games. The market gives England a real shot +800
Player to watch: Harry Kane, attacker.
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Spain
For a country that boasts 2 of the greatest teams in World soccer: Real Madrid and Barcelona, and an enviable array of talented players; it comes as something of a surprise that the national team has only lifted the ultimate prize once – in 2010 over the Netherlands. Amongst the favourites on many occasions they’ve failed to live up to their billing. The golden generation of Xavi, Inesta, and Torres is long gone; so to the inspirational Sergio Ramos. They find themselves in possibly the toughest group with Germany and Japan. Bookies offering +800
Player to watch: Pedri, midfielder.
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Germany
It’s an oft used cliché that, regardless of form, Germany always deliver come tournament time – and it’s nearly always true. Since their first appearance at the finals in 1934 they’ve won the trophy 3 times, finished runner up 4 times, and have 4 third-place finishes. Only Brazil have a better record. However, since the resignation of head coach Joachim Low in 2018 the team have struggled. They failed to make it out of their group at Euro 2020 and have been too reliant on aging players such as Thomas Muller. They find themselves in one of the toughest groups with Spain and Japan. Their opening game against the Japanese could be crucial. Odds +1000
Player to watch: Serge Gnabry, attacker.
Belgium
This group of players reached its zenith finishing 3rd at the last World Cup in Russia 4 years ago. Even with the likes of De Bruyne, Courtois, and Lukaku, form over the last year suggests we won’t see a repeat from this aging squad. A quarter final is probably as far as they’ll go. +1200
Player to watch: Leandro Trossard
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The Netherlands +1200+, Portugal +1400
Surprise package
USA – fit, well drilled, organised. In England’s group. Game against Wales could decide 2nd place. Team USA are second favourite to win group B, but the odds for winning the World Cup are between +10000 and +15000. USA are +500 to win Group B and -150 to make it out of Group B.
Player to watch: Brenden Aaronson
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Past winners
- Brazil 5
- Germany 4
- Italy 4
- Argentina 2
- France 2
- Uruguay 2
- England 1
- Spain 1
Full list of World Cup winners
Author – Damian Byrne
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