WORLD CUP 2022 PREVIEW AND PREDICTIONS
Its finally here. After all the talk, build up, criticism and speculation.
The most unprecedented World Cup and major sporting event in history is upon us. The World Cup will kick off on November 20th, with the final on 18th December.
Below is my team by team preview and predictions…..
The numbers next to team names are their Fifa rankings
GROUP A
ECUADOR (44)
Captain: Enner Valencia
Star Man: Enner Valencia
One to watch: Pervis Estupiñán
Not one of the fancied South American teams, Ecuador did well to qualify for this tournament by finishing fourth, the last automatic qualifying place of their group.
Two points behind Uruguay and two points ahead of Peru. They only lost once at home to Peru. But more importantly, just one win away at Chile. They will be competing in their fourth finals and could emulate their best effort, which was the last 16 in 2006.
They are in a bit of a transition, so qualifying was an achievement. They have the third youngest squad and could suffer from that inexperience. However, they still have the vastly experienced striker and all-time top scorer Valencia, with midfielders Gruezo and Plata.
Young defender Hincapié is a stand-out. Also, two very capable Brighton players in midfield, Caicedo and Estupiñán at full-back, whose energetic runs could be a feature.
With a young and inexperienced group, Ecuador plays full of verve and energy. But their inexperience is their downfall, as too often they leave their defence exposed and get caught out.
They seem to be a team who struggles to find the balance between attack and defence, where too often one suffers. However, when they get it right, they can be a real handful with a unique blend of physicality and flair.
PREDICTION: Group Stages
QATAR (49)
Captain: Hassan Al-Heydos
Star Man: Akram Afif
One to watch: Almoez Ali
I’m sure you don’t need me to tell you that the host nation Qatar are competing in their first World Cup and has not been close previously (closest was four points off a playoff spot in 2010).
However, they did compete in the round two qualifying group, which they topped, four points ahead of Oman, winning seven and drawing one to qualify for the Asian Cup.
They can take heart from the fact that they are the reigning Asian Cup champions, beating Japan 3-1 in 2019. They narrowly lost in the SF to USA 1-0 in the 2021 CONCACAF cup and were third in the 2021 Arab Cup, losing to Algeria in the SF, then beating Egypt.
Their standout players are forwards Akram Afif and Almoez Ali, their all-time joint top scorer and topped the scoring in the Asian Cup with 9 goals. Another striker, the captain and most capped player with 169 appearances Hassan Al-Heydos.
At the back, their second most capped player with 130 appearances AbdelKarem Hassan and Boualem Khoukhi. In midfield, they also have Abdulaziz Hetm and Karim Boudiaf.
With every player in the squad playing in Qatar, they rely on their good cohesion and a strong defensive base. That sets them up going forward with pacy, athletic runners, as they aim to get the ball upfield as quickly as possible to find openings for attackers.
PREDICTION: Group Stages
NETHERLANDS (8)
Captain: Virgil Van Dijk
Star Man: Memphis Depay
One to Watch: Cody Gakpo
Nobody is really talking about the Netherlands, but they could be a dark horse. Playing in their 11th finals, they have pedigree after finishing runners-up three times (74, 78, 2010) in addition to coming third in 2014.
They are coming into this tournament with an unusual lack of pressure and expectations. However, they did qualify top, two points from Turkey, with seven wins from ten games, scoring 33 and conceding eight.
Led by Van Dijk, he may welcome this break from a stuttering club form. He will be backed up in the defence by de Ligit, also, Inter duo Vrij and Dumfries.
These days they do not have the same world-class attacking players of old, but the likes of Memphis Depay, who is surprisingly their all-time joint second top scorer. Luuk de Jong and the skilful, athletic and exciting Cody Gakpo. With midfielders Franke de Jong and Klassens.
Naturally, everyone remembers and marvels at the total football Dutch teams of the past. This era is not exactly that free-flowing, but they do have attacking flair.
However, they like to play possession, keep ball football to lure their opponents into a false sense of security, and then burst into action in the final third.
PREDICTION: Quarter Finals
SENEGAL (18)
Captain: Kalidou Koulibaly
Star Man: Sadio Mané
One to watch: Ismaila Sarr
I had high hopes for Senegal in this tournament, but they have simmered with the injury to star man Mane, although he has been included in the squad. The country is on a real high after winning their first AFCON last year, beating Egypt.
They qualified after topping their group by eight points. They were then drawn against Egypt, where they lost the away tie 1-0 but won at home 1-0 and went through 3-1 on pens.
Senegal have the seventh youngest squad at the finals and will need their experienced players, especially if Mane is unable to play any part. He will be a huge miss and it will heap more pressure and expectations on the forwards such as Sarr, Dia and Diédhiou.
They will also need performances from goalkeeper Mendy. Defenders, the captain Koulibaly and Cissé, also midfielders Gueye, Kouyaté and Mendy.
With every member of the squad playing in Europe, they have a unique blend of African flair and European experience.
They are a strong, solid outfit, who can defend when they need to, but also score goals when it’s needed. Their only downfall could be inexperience, but no team will relish playing them.
PREDICTION: Last 16
GROUP B
ENGLAND (5)
Captain: Harry Kane
Star Man: Harry Kane
One to watch: Jude Bellingham
England’s done well under Southgate. Fourth in the last World Cup 2018. Third in the Nations League 2019. Runner up in Euro2020. There is just one more step for them to take to emulate the stars of 1966.
They qualified confidently, six points ahead of Poland, with eight wins and two draws, scoring 39 and conceding just 3. They are one of the more experienced nations in this tournament, playing in their 16th finals.
England has the eighth youngest squad in the tournament, which could be positive and a negative. However, Kane will be relied upon to get goals. But he will also rely on performances and service from the likes of Sterling, Saka, Rashford & Foden.
With Trippier and Stones at the back. The standouts in midfield will be Henderson, Rice and Bellingham, who has all the attributes to be a star in this tournament.
One of the criticisms of Southgate is his changes in formation and style of play. Are they a flat-back four team or a wing-back team? I would say both, and it does not hurt to have options.
However, Southgate’s decisions of when to play each formation could be his downfall. What is certain is England has the players to go all the way, but do they have the mentality to get over that final hurdle or will Southgate forever be a nearly man?
PREDICTION: Fourth
IRAN (23)
Captain: Ehsan Hajsafi
Star Man: Mehdi Teremi
One to watch: Alireza Jahanbakhsh
Naturally, Iran will be up against it. They are playing in their sixth finals and have never been out of the group stages.
They impressively qualified top of their group, two points from South Korea and a massive 13 points from UAE, winning 8, drawing 1, and losing 1.
Iran have the oldest squad in this tournament and will need all that experience. They are led by defender/midfielder and their fourth all-time capped player Hajsafi. Who will be backed up by fellow defender Khalilzadeh.
They will need big performances from goalkeeper Beiranvand. Also, Standout midfielders Ghoddos, Gholizadeh and Jahanbakhsh, who has an eye for spectacular goals. With forwards Azmoun and Teremi, who both have good scoring records.
With Portuguese manager Carlos Queiroz. Iran likes to or tries to play quick, intricate pass-and-move football. However, they know they must adapt their play depending on the opponent, and their bread and butter is wing play with early crosses into the box.
PREDICTION: Last 16
USA (14)
Captain: Cristian Pulisic
Star Man: Weston McKennie
One to Watch: Giovanni Reyna
The USA are surprisingly one of the more experienced nations in these finals, playing in their 11th. However, they will struggle to emulate their third-place finish in the first finals in 1930.
More recently, the best they finished was QF in 2002. They failed to get out of the group in 2010 & 2014 and did not qualify for 2018. They qualified third, two points behind Canada & Mexico and on the same points as Costa Rica, but with a better GD.
Having the second youngest squad in the tournament, they will need to use all that youth and energy. They will be led by their star man Pulisic, but he will hope for solid performances from defenders Zimmerman, Carter-Vickers, Robinson and Yedlin.
With McKennie pulling the strings from midfield and energy from Aaronson. Upfront, they have the likes of Sargent and the very exciting-looking Weah.
With a young squad, they will suffer from inexperience, but what they lack in that, they make up for in legs. USA love to press and will rarely get outrun by opponents.
They are a very energetic team, playing high-tempo football, moving the ball from defence to attack as quickly as possible.
PREDICTION: Group Stages
WALES (19)
Captain: Gareth Bale
Star Man: Gareth Bale
One to Watch: Aaron Ramsey
Wales are playing in only their second finals, their first was 64 years ago in 1958. They qualified by finishing second in their group, five points behind Belgium and a point ahead of Czech Rep.
They then went into a playoff where they beat Austria 2-1, then Ukraine 1-0 in the final. Bale scored all three of their playoff goals.
Naturally led by Gareth Bale, he has been the driving force behind the team and the main reason why Wales has made it back to the finals after a long wait. However, he cannot do it alone.
They have the ninth youngest squad in finals and will look to experienced defenders Davies and Mepham. Midfielders Ramsey for his goal-scoring abilities, also Allen and James. Up front, they have Moore and Brennan Johnson, who could be a surprise package.
It seems Wales has changed their style of play in conjunction with Bale changing his. No longer is Bale the explosive, athletic, all-action runner. But he is more of an intelligent thinker.
So Wales uses him more as a deep-lying playmaker, conserving energy and utilising his ability to pick out passes to find younger runners all over the pitch, which will open up spaces for him to exploit.
PREDICTION: Group Stages
GROUP C
ARGENTINA (3)
Captain: Lionel Messi
Star Man: Lionel Messi
One to Watch: Julian Alvarez
Only two nations playing in these finals have competed in more than Argentina (18). The two times champions (78 & 86) and twice runners-up (90 & 2014) will want to do better than in 2018 when they went out in the last 16.
They qualified second in their group, six points behind Brazil, with their final group game against Brazil abandoned. They come into this tournament confident after winning The Copa America for the first time since 1993.
With the third oldest squad in the tournament, Argentina knows this will be the last opportunity this group will have to win it. When I say this group, I mean Messi, who is 35. He will need support from defenders Otamendi, Romero and Taglifico.
Midfielders Paredes, De Paul and Palacios. With some menacing forwards in Di Maria, Dybala, Martinez and Alvarez, who could be their joker in the pack.
Naturally, Argentina are full of flair. Although Messi is still Messi, he is not the Messi of old, and they play more possession football to drag opponents left and right to open the spaces and create goal-scoring opportunities.
With the talent they have in the squad, Argentina are a real threat in these finals.
PREDICTION: Winners
MEXICO (12)
Captain: Andrés Guardado
Star Man: Hirving Lozano
One to Watch: Raul Jiménez
Mexico are a regular in this tournament. Playing in their 17th finals, they have been to each of the last seven and have been eliminated at the last 16 in all seven of them.
Their best finish was QF in 1970, and as the hosts in 1986. They qualified as runners-up in their group, on the same points as Canada but an inferior goal difference by seven goals.
They come into this tournament with the second oldest squad and are led by the very experienced midfielder and most capped player Guardado, who will be backed in midfield by Herrera and Alvarez.
They will look to another very experienced squad member, goalkeeper Ochoa. Also, defenders Moreno and Sanchez, with Lozano and Jiménez up front, who will be very important to their chances, provided he is rested and well.
Recently Mexico are built on a solid and stern foundation in defence. They try to keep the ball and stifle opponents, almost passing them to death, then putting the ball in the box, hoping for someone to get on the end of it. They also are very successful at scoring from dead-ball situations.
PREDICTION: Group Stages
POLAND (26)
Captain: Robert Lewandowski
Star Man: Robert Lewandoski
One to watch: Piotr Zielinksi
Poland are playing in their ninth finals, with their best finish being third place in 74 & 82. However, since this time, they have played in just four finals and only got past the group stages once, which was in 1986.
They qualified after finishing second in their group, six points behind England. They then went into a playoff, where they were luckily drawn against Russia and received a bye into the final, where they secured a comfortable 2-0 victory over Sweden.
Led by their superstar striker Lewandowksi, he is 34 now and must know this is his last hooray. He will need support and service from the likes of fellow striker Milik.
Midfielders Grosicki, Sebastian Szymanski, and Zielinski pulling the strings, who has been playing well for Napoli this season. They will hope their defence holds up with the likes of Glick, Bednarek and Cash flying down the flank.
Poland are a physical team who likes to play athletic, attacking football where they get the ball forward as quickly as possible. They also like to use width and will waste no time getting the ball into the box.
PREDICTION: Last 16
SAUDI ARABIA (53)
Captain: Salman Al-Faraj
Star Man: Saleh Al-Shehri
One to Watch: Firas Al-Buraikan
Saudi Arabia are playing in their sixth finals, and second in a row. But only been out of the group stages once, that was in their first appearance in 1994.
They qualified by winning their first-round group, five points from Uzbekistan. They then won their second-round group a point ahead of Japan and eight points ahead of Australia.
With their entire squad playing in Saudi Arabia, naturally, there will be no household names. But if they are to make it out of the group, they will look to their captain, midfielder Al Faraj, to dictate play, along with fellow midfielders Al-Dawsari and Al-Abed.
With support from defenders Al-Shahrani and Abdulhamid. Then hope strikers Al-Buraikan and star man Al-Shehri can get the vital goals.
With experienced Frenchman Herve Renard at the helm since 2019, Saudi Arabia play a measured pass-and-move type of football, where they try to keep the ball on the ground.
The problem is on the world stage, there are teams who can play that style better, so they will struggle. However, they are a fit team who likes to press and force mistakes.
PREDICTION: Group Stages
GROUP D
AUSTRALIA (39)
Captain: Matthew Ryan
Star Man: Aaron Mooy
One to Watch: Mitchell Duke
Australia had the longest road to the World Cup. They won all eight games in the first-round group, 10 points ahead of Kuwait. Then finished third in their second-round group, eight points behind Saudi Arabia and seven behind Japan.
They went into a fourth-round playoff, where they beat UAE 2-1. Then a dramatic playoff final against Peru, where they drew 0-0 and won 5-4 on pens, after missing their first penalty. The Aussies are playing in their fifth finals and have not been out of the group stages in the last three tournaments. Only once have they reached the last 16, in 2006.
They come into these finals with the tenth oldest squad, and are Led by their experience goalkeeper Matthew Ryan. He will hope to get protection from defenders Rowles, Atkinson, and Wright.
With Mooy pulling the strings from midfield, along with Hrustic and Irvine. They will hope forwards Boyle, Mclaren, and Duke can provide some magic.
Australia know they cannot compete with the top teams, so they have built a foundation of a solid defensive unit, then try to nick a goal when they can. They like to use athletic wide men to stretch the play and get crosses into the box.
PREDICTION: Group Stages
DENMARK (10)
Captain: Simon Kjaer
Star Man: Christian Eriksen
One to Watch: Kasper Dolberg
Denmark will hope to emulate their best finish when they reached the QF in 1998. Since then, they have been knocked out of the group stages and had two last 16 finishes, including the last time in 2018.
They qualified by topping their group, four points ahead of Scotland. With nine wins and one defeat. The Danes are playing in their sixth finals and were the second team to qualify for these finals.
Who could forget the dramatic scenes with Eriksen in the Euros? It’s great to see him back, and he will be pulling the strings from midfield. He will be supported by his captain Kjaer, with fellow defenders Christensen and Anderson.
Also, goalkeeper Schmeichel. Midfielders Hojbjerg and Delaney. With a whole host of talent up front in Poulsen and Braithwaite, Also, Dolberg and Damsgaard, who both could be stars this tournament.
Denmark has great cohesion in their team and likes to play free-flowing, fluent, direct football. They like to move the ball as quickly as possible from defence to midfield to the strikers.
They are an extremely fit and strong team, and there will not be many who will outrun or outmuscle them.
PREDICTION: Last 16
FRANCE (4)
Captain: Hugo Lloris
Star Man: Kylian Mbappe
One to Watch: Karim Benzema
The defending champions are playing in their 16th finals. The year does not end in an eight, so I am not picking them to defend, seeing as their two wins were in 98 and 2018.
Also, they will fight against history as the last four defending champions have done poorly in the following finals. They qualified by topping their group, six points ahead of Ukraine.
The French have the tenth youngest squad at these finals and have an embarrassment of riches. It is the kind of squad equipped to defend a title. Led by goalkeeper Lloris, with defenders Verane, Pavard, Hernandez and Kounde.
Midfielders Rabiot, Camavinga and Tchouameni who looks a star and could have a breakout tournament. With a potent forward line of Mbappe, Giroud, Griezmann and world player of the year Benzema.
We all know the quick, direct and pacy attacking style of play of France, with quality from back to front. They have a very top-heavy squad, which suggests they fancy their chances to outscore any team in the tournament.
I wouldn’t put it past them. But if there were criticism, although they have top names in midfield, they seem a bit light there, but who am I to question the defending champions?
PREDICTION: Quarter Finals
TUNISIA (30)
Captain: Youssef Msakni
Star Man: Wahbi Khazri
One to Watch: Hannibal Mejbri
Tunisia hopes to get out of the group for the first time in six finals. However, in their previous five appearances, they have only recorded two wins from fifteen games.
Judging from their group, I doubt that record will improve. They qualified as winners of their group, two points ahead of Equatorial Guinea, then went into a final playoff game against Mali, where they won away 1-0 and drew at home 0-0.
Msakni, their 8th most capped player and 6th all-time top scorer, will lead the team. He will hope for support from his fellow striker, their main man, and second all-time top scorer Khazri, also Jabali.
With midfielders Sassi, Slimane and young teenage sensation Mejbri, who can be a real livewire. More importantly, they will hope defenders Bronn and Talbi can stand up to the tests. Tunisia have the sixth oldest squad at these finals.
Tunisia are known to be a defensive team. They know their limitations and thrive on being defensively sound, not giving much away, then hope the forward players could get something.
This style, although can, and has been effective in the past, it is not the greatest to watch.
PREDICTION: Group Stages
GROUP E
COSTA RICA (34)
Captain: Keylor Navas
Star Man: Bryan Ruiz
One to Watch: Joel Campbell
Playing in their sixth finals and third in a row, Costa Rica will certainly find it hard to match their best finish of QF in 2014. Only once previously, they managed to make it out of the group in 1990.
They qualified by finishing fourth in their group, three points behind Canada and Mexico and on the same points as the USA, but with an inferior goal difference by six goals. But more importantly, four points ahead of Panama. They then went into playoff with New Zealand, who they beat 1-0 to become the last team to make it to these finals.
Led by their goalkeeper, the very experienced Navas, he will have to be on his game and hope for performances from defenders Oviedo, Duarte and Calvo. Midfielders, their all-time most capped player Borges.
Also, their playmaker, second most capped player, and all-time fourth top scorer, Ruiz. Up front, the sixth most capped player, seventh all-time top scorer, also the man who scored the goal that got them to the finals, Joel Campbell.
Costa Rica are quite strong defensively and not easy to break down. They like to, and I suppose try to, get the ball down and play.
However, they seem to be a team fighting with style vs effectiveness, as they always seem to revert into a long-ball team, trying to use the pace of wingers to exploit opponents
PREDICTION: Group Stages
GERMANY (11)
Captain: Manuel Neuer
Star Man: Serge Gnabry
One to Watch: Jamal Musiala
A natural powerhouse, Germany are the second most experienced and successful nation in these finals, winning it four times (54, 74, 90, 2014). However, after winning it in 2014, they will want to do better than last time, in 2018, when they failed to make it out of the group.
They were the first team to qualify by strolling their group, finishing nine points ahead of North Macedonia, winning nine and losing one.
As per usual, Germany are blessed with talent throughout the squad. Led by captain and goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. With defenders Rüdiger and Süle.
Midfielders Gündogan, Götze and Kimmich and forwards, firstly, their fifth most capped and seventh top scorer Muller. Also, Sané, Havertz, Gnabry and teenage sensation Musiala, who could really set this tournament alight.
We all know the German way. What do they say? “Vorsprung Durch Technik”. They will be an efficient machine, sound defensively, with a measured build-up, and good technical ballers throughout the team.
PREDICTION: Last 16
JAPAN (24)
Captain: Maya Yoshida
Star Man: Takumi Minamino
One to Watch: Kaoru Mitoma
Japan has reached the last 16 of this tournament on three occasions (2002, 2010, 2018) and will do well to make it to that stage a fourth time. They qualified by strolling the first group, winning all eight games, eleven points ahead of Tajikistan.
They then finished runners-up in their second group, a point behind Saudi Arabia. They are competing in their seventh finals.
With the ninth oldest squad in the finals. They are led by the experienced defender and fourth-most capped player Yoshida, with support from fellow defenders, their second-most capped player Ngatomo, also Itakura.
In midfield, they will look to their main man Minamino, also Mitoma, who is in good form and Ito. Up front, they will look to Asano and Maeda for goals.
Not the biggest of teams, Japan like to keep the ball on the ground and play quick, neat and tidy, pass-and-move football.
They try to stay elusive on the ball to open spaces with minimal touches, sharp, accurate passes and constant runners from midfield.
PREDICTION: Group Stages
SPAIN (6)
Captain: Sergio Busquests
Star Man: Álvaro Morata
One to Watch: Pedri
Spain are playing in their 16th finals and 12th in a row. However, in the previous 12 tournaments, when they were champions in 2010 was the only time they went past the QF stage.
They hope to get further than 2018 when they were knocked out in the last 16, but that was better than 2014 when they didn’t make it out of the group. They qualified top, four points from Sweden, winning six, drawing one and losing one.
In a somewhat young squad, the fourth youngest in these finals. They are led by the vastly experienced and all-time third most capped player Busquets, with fellow midfielders Koke, Rodri and two young superstars in Gavi and Pedri.
More experience at the back with Alba, Azpilicueta, Carvajal and Laporte. With forwards Morata, Asensio, Olmo and Torres.
Spain are not exactly the tika taka team of the 2008-14 era, where they won three major titles in a row, but they are not far off it.
However, this team is a little more direct and pacy on the wings, and although they still play short, keep-ball possession, they have the ability to go from back to front in an instant.
PREDICTION: Quarter Finals
GROUP F
BELGIUM (2)
Captain: Eden Hazard
Star Man: Kevin De Bruyne
One to Watch: Youri Tielemans
Belgium are now in the twilight of their golden era. They are playing in their 16th finals, and finishing third last time out in 2018 was their best-ever finish.
In their previous seven appearances, they had a fourth, QF, three last 16 and two group stage finishes. They qualified top of their group, five points from Wales, winning six and drawing two.
With the fifth oldest squad at this tournament, although brimming with talent, you can not help but think this is one of the last opportunities for a major title. To get over that hurdle, they’ll hope their skipper Hazard can find some form and all-time top scorer Lukaku can continue to bag goals.
With support from Martens and Trossard up front. They will look to main man De Bruyne, pulling the strings in midfield for service supported by Witsel, Carrasco and Tielemans, who is in great form. At the back, they will need big performances from veterans Alderweireld and Vertonghen.
The Belgians have a nice blend of pass-and-move football combined with direct attacking play. They can mix it with the best of them and adapt from being a neat, passing team to a strong, physical outfit.
However, against the very top teams, I worry for them defensively and the abilities of coach Roberto Martinez.
PREDICTION: Quarter Finals
CANADA (43)
Captain: Atiba Hutchinson
Star Man: Alphonso Davies
One to Watch: Jonathan David
The Canadians surprised many with the way they played during qualification. Especially as this is only the second finals they have qualified for. The first was in 1986 when they lost all three games.
They shocked everyone by topping their group, finishing on the same points as Mexico but with a better goal difference by seven goals. Also, three points ahead of the USA and Costa Rica.
It’s fair to say this new era is certainly a golden era for Canadian football. Led by their most capped player Hutchinson in midfield, he will look for support from Bayern full-back Davies, who is their playmaker, along with Eustáquio and Osorio.
At the back, Miller & Vitoria with strikers Larin, the experienced Hoilett and David, who has a superb scoring record for his country.
Canada seems to be a versatile team and has flirted with several formations in recent games. What is certain is they are a physical, attacking side and love to drive the ball forward, using pacy runners from the wings and athletic forwards who will cause issues.
PREDICTION: Group Stages
CROATIA (15)
Captain: Luca Modric
Star Man: Luca Modric
One to Watch: Andrej Kramaric
The 2018 runners-up are playing in the sixth finals and third in a row. In their four previous appearances, they finished third, then three group stages.
They qualified top of their group, a point from Russia and nine points from Slovakia.
I thought they had an ageing squad, but there are 20 squads with an older average age. They have done well to blend some younger guys with the more experienced ones who reached the final four years ago.
Led by their skipper and main man Modric. He will look for support from the likes of, Perišic, Kovacic and Brozavic in midfield. Vida, Stanišic and Lovren are at the back, with Kramaric scoring the goals and Petkovic up front.
Croatia play a very measured, slow passing style. They like to keep the ball and probe with accurate passes through the channels, then burst into life in the final third to catch their opponents off guard.
PREDICTION: Last 16
MOROCCO (22)
Captain: Romain Saïss
Star Man: Hakim Ziyach
One to Watch: Achraf Hakimi
In their five previous appearances, Morocco has only managed to get out of the group stages once (1986). Also, they have only won two of their 16 games at the finals.
They qualified top of their group, 12 points ahead of Guinea-Bissau, winning all six games, scoring 20 and conceding just 1 goal. They then went into a final playoff with DR Congo, where they drew away 1-1 and won 4-1 at home.
Although they have the fifth youngest squad in these finals. They are Led by their experienced captain Saïss, he will look for support at the back from Mazraoui and Hakimi, putting a shift in on the flank.
Goalkeeper Bounou. In midfield Amrabat, Chair, Sabiri and Amallah, with forwards, main man Ziyach being relied upon for goals, with En-Nesyri and Boufal who can produce the spectacular when he is ready.
For a team with a few decent forward players, it’s surprising that Morocco are more of a defensive team. They are built on a solid defensive foundation, with players working for each other to stop the opponents.
However, when they decide to attack, they do it with energy and creativity, but only in small bursts.
PREDICTION: Group Stages
GROUP G
BRAZIL (1)
Captain: Thiago Silva
Star Man: Neymar
One to Watch: Vinícius Jr
Brazil are the most experienced and successful nation in the World Cup, playing in their 22nd finals and winning it five times (58, 62, 70, 90, 2002).
They qualified top of their group, six points ahead of Argentina and a massive, 17 points ahead of Uruguay in third. Winning 14 with 3 draws, and that was after playing one game less as their final group game with Argentina was cancelled.
Naturally, Brazil has an envious squad with talent from top to bottom and has a who’s, who of quality players who did not make the squad. They have the fourth oldest squad in these finals and are Led by the talents of Silva, who at 38 is still performing at the highest level.
He will be supported by fellow defenders Marquinhos, Danilo and Alex Sandro. Top-class midfielders in Casimero, Fabinho, Fred and Luis Paqueta. With some talented forward players in Neymar, Gabriel Jesus, Vinícius Jr, Raphinha and Richarlison.
We all know the skill, flair, and sheer ability the Brazilians possess. They have been playing well recently and scoring lots of goals.
I think the only thing stopping them is complacency and the pressure of being favourites. However, if Brazil plays to their undoubted potential, we could be seeing a sixth title.
PREDICTION: Third
CAMEROON (38)
Captain: Vincent Aboubakar
Star Man: Vincent Aboubakar
One to Watch: André-Frank Zambo Anguissa
Cameroon are playing in their eighth finals. However, they have only been out of the group stages once (1990), when they reached the QF and captured the imagination.
They had a tough but impressive road to qualify as they finished top of their group, two points ahead of Ivory Coast. They then were drawn into a tough final playoff against Algeria, where they lost the home leg 1-0, then won the away leg with a dramatic 124th-minute goal to win 2-1, and go through on away goals.
With the sixth youngest squad. These days they do not have the same big names, but they still have some notable stars in the team. They are led by their star striker Aboubakar.
He will be supported by Choupo-Moting, who is in great form, and Toko Ekambi, who scored the goal to get them here. In midfield, they have Anguissa, who is also in good form and Kunde. In goal, Onana will be very important, and he will hope for support from defenders Fai and Nkoulou.
I would say Cameroon have a nice blend of physicality and flair. They can get the ball on the ground and play, but can also mix it physically.
However, they often revert to the long ball game to hit the strikers as quickly as possible and then work from there. Either way, teams will know they’ve been in a game.
PREDICTION: Group Stages
SERBIA (25)
Captain: Dusan Tadic
Star Man: Alexsandar Mitrovic
One to Watch: Dušan Vlahovic
This will be Serbia’s third appearance in the finals as Serbia. They also competed in the 2006 finals as Serbia and Montenegro.
However, they failed to make it out of the group stages on all four occasions and are hoping to break their duck this Tournament. Especially as Serbia surprised everyone by qualifying top of their group, three points ahead of Portugal and a massive eleven points ahead of Rep of Ireland in third.
With the eighth youngest squad in these finals. They are led by the talented midfielder Tadic, who will be supported in midfield by the likes of, Kostic, Gudelj, Živkovic and the highly talented Milinkovic-Savic. With defenders Milenkovic and Veljkovic, as well as some very potent strikers in Mitrovic, Vlahovic and Jovic.
Serbia are a team who are easy on the eye but can be physical. They fancy themselves as more of a ball-playing team and try to get forward as much as possible to provide ammunition for the strikers.
The problem with this is s they often leave gaps at the back, but it’s exciting to watch.
PREDICTION: Last 16
SWITZERLAND (16)
Captain: Granit Xhaka
Star Man: Xherdan Shaqiri
One to Watch: Breel Embolo
Switzerland are playing in their 12th finals and fifth in a row. They are still trying to emulate the old days when they reached the QF in 34, 38 & 54.
More recently, in their last five appearances, they have gone out in the group stages once and have four last 16 finishes. They surprisingly qualified top of their group, two points ahead of European champions Italy and nine points ahead of Northern Ireland, only conceding two goals in eight games.
They come into these finals with the eighth oldest squad and are led by captain Xhaka, who is having a resurgent year for his club. He will be supported by fellow midfielders Frei, Sow, Fernandes and Freuler.
Experienced goalkeeper Sommer. With defenders Rodriguez, Akanji and Schar. For goals, they will rely on their main man Shaqiri, with Steferovic and the very exciting and dangerous Embolo.
A team who needs to be respected, Switzerland are built on a good team ethic where they are not exactly defensive, but their structure and work rate make it hard for them to be broken down. They then have several individuals who can create goals out of nothing.
PREDICTION: Group Stages
GROUP H
GHANA (60)
Captain: Thomas Partey
Star Man: Andre Ayew
One to Watch: Iñaki Wililams
Ghana are playing in their fourth finals and has competed in four of the last five tournaments. Their best effort was QF in 2010. Who can forget the last-minute goal line handball and Gyan’s missed penalty?
They will want to do better than their last appearance, where they didn’t make it out of the group. They qualified by squeezing through their group after finishing on the same points and goal difference as South Africa but scored a goal more.
They then went into a tough playoff final with Nigeria. Where they drew 0-0 at home, then 1-1 away to go through on away goals.
With the youngest squad in these finals. They are Led by Partey, who will dictate play from midfield and hope to get support from the likes of Kudus, Afriyie and Owusu.
With defenders Mensah, Amartey and Djiku. Upfront, the Ayew brothers will continue to spare-head the attack, supported by Williams and 19-year-old star Afena-Gyan.
I don’t think Ghana are the team of a few years ago, who had pace and flair. They have their moments, but these days they try to be more solid and hard to break down.
They thrive on strong, physical runners to almost force themselves into the final third, then hope for a bit of magic.
PREDICTION: Group Stages
PORTUGAL (9)
Captain: Cristiano Ronaldo
Star Man: Bruno Fernandes
One to Watch: Rafael Leão
Although Portugal has been successful in other competitions, they are playing in their eighth finals and have only twice been past the last 16 stages.
The furthest was third place in 1966, although they did finish fourth in 2006. They surprisingly finished runners-up in their group, three points behind Serbia. They went into a playoff where they beat 3-1 in the SF, then North Macedonia 2-0 in the final.
With the fourth oldest squad in these finals. It is conceivable to think their captain Ronaldo, will be competing in his last finals, at least as a player. I’m sure he will welcome this distraction away from club politics.
However, he is not the player he used to be, and will need support from the likes of Fernandes. B.Silva. Palhinha, and Carvalho in midfield. With defenders Pepe, Dias, Cancelo and Danilo. Also forward Jota, Leão and Felix.
Portugal are a dark horse and has a good-looking squad. Naturally, with all that talent on show, they play an exciting brand of attacking football.
They try to dominate the ball and pick passes to cut open opponents. But if that doesn’t work, they have strong runners who can beat players and cause havoc.
PREDICTION: Runner Up
SOUTH KOREA (28)
Captain: Son Heung-min
Star Man: Son Heung-min
One to Watch: Hwang Hee-chan
South Korea are surprisingly one of the more experienced nations at this tournament and are playing in their 11th finals. Who could forget their host tournament of 2002, where they finished fourth?
Apart from that, the only other time they made it out of the group was in 2010, when they reached the last 16. They qualified by topping their first-round group, six points ahead of Lebanon. They then finished runners-up in their second group, two points behind Iran.
Led by their superstar forward Son, who is currently their all-time fourth-highest goal scorer. South Korea have the eighth oldest squad in the finals and will hope to get performances from defenders Kim Min-jae and Kim Jin-su.
Midfield support from Lee Jae-sung, Jung Woo-young and Kwon Chang-hoon. With forwards Cho Gue-sung, Hwang Hee-chan and Hwang Ui-jo, looking to score the goals.
Naturally, a lot of that they do revolves around the skipper. But they have formed a good understanding with players working hard in defence and midfield to close spaces.
They try to win win the ball early. then springing fast attacks with long balls for forwards to run onto. South Korea are a very athletic team and can run all game.
PREDICTION: Group Stages
URUGUAY (13)
Captain: Diego Godín
Star Man: Luis Suárez
One to Watch: Darwin Núñez
One of the more experienced nations in this tournament, Uruguay are playing in their 14th finals, winning it twice (1930 & 1950).
Since, they recorded three fourth-place finishes, three last 16 finishes, three group stage finishes, and in 2018 they reached the QF. They qualified third in their group, a massive 17 points behind Brazil, 11 points behind Argentina but two points ahead of Ecuador.
Uruguay have he seventh oldest squad at this tournament and are captained by the very experienced, no-nonsense defender Godín. He will be supported by fellow defenders Cáceres, Giménez and Coates.
In midfield, they will look to the likes of Bentancur, Torreira, Valverde and de la Cruz, with very capable strikers in Suárez, Cavani and Núñez.
Although Uruguay seems to be just moving past its golden era, they are still a capable team, who plays physical, all-action football, with a stern and rugged defence.
They have workhorse, tough-tacking midfielders and a combination of quality and energy upfront. They are certainly not to be taken lightly.
