By Betsefy
© Reuters
The biggest event in football is slowly but steadily drawing ever closer and as you would expect, we are ensuring that you are fully in the know of all things relating to the World Cup.
Though this year’s World Cup will be hosted during a rather odd time of the year, the excitement is palpable and every player, fan and pundit is looking forward to seeing how each of the 32 teams fare at the Mundial.
In as much as every team is given a chance at the tournament, there are favorites and underdogs as always. In this article, we’ll take a keen look at the favorites as well as their odds for World cup 2022.
This year’s world cup will be missing some really household names at the World cup. The likes of Italy, Ivory Coast, Chile and Nigeria will be missing the global showpiece this time around. However, their absence should do little to hurt the hugely anticipated entertainment from those in the tournament.
The likes of Brazil and Argentina will always be regarded as World cup favorites no matter the year or squads they possess. The Samba boys from Brazil had a bit of a stroll in registering their name at the tournament.
The current defending champions of the Copa America, the Albiceleste are looking pretty strong going into the World Cup. Their performance at La Finalissima against Italy demonstrated their cohesive unit and the willingness of star names like Leo Messi to work for his less-known teammates.
Though the European contingent will be without their defending champions Italy, they have other teams that are more than capable of retrieving the gold prize. One of such is undoubtedly France, who can boast of the greatest squad strength of any side in Qatar. Their domineering performance in the Russian edition of the tournament should send chills to any nation.
Other teams like England, Spain, Belgium and Germany are also among the favourites tipped to win the tournament. The three lions of England were finalists at the Euros and semi-finalists in Russia.
Without much ado, here are the favorites to win the 2022 World cup set to take place in Qatar in November.
Brazil (9/2)The Samba nation is the most successful side in the history of the World cup with five titles to their name. Though they have won the mundial since the Korea/Japan 2002 World cup, Brazil are seen as the biggest favorites to claim this edition majorly because of their stunning form in the qualifiers and the host of star talent and quality depth they possess. It would also be a final World Cup for Neymar and he’ll have a lot to prove this time around.
England (11/2)The Three Lions are perhaps seen as the most overrated team in the history of the World cup, owing to their persistent failure to truly leave a mark in previous editions. England have not won the tournament since they hosted it in 1966. Prior to their impressive outing in 2018, they had previously performed well in only the 1990 edition in Italy. However, there is a strong belief that the squad is as strong as ever and their run at the Euros is proof that it will come home soon.
France (6/1)Les Blues are the current holders of the mundial’s prize. Their strength in depth and all round quality is truly a frightening prospect for their opponents. The likes of Kylian Mbappe, the deadly Karim Benzema and Olivier Giroud are sure to cause palpitations for opposing defenders. However, the French team has been off color of recent. Their shambolic performances at the Euros and UEFA Nations League, probably an indication that the team is gradually losing their beliefs.
Argentina (7/1)Leo Messi and the Argentinians are the current holders of Copa America and La Finalissima. The Argentinians have slowly but steadily built a very formidable team. The injection of new blood like Rodrigo De Paul, Lisandro Martinez and Lautaro Martinez has greatly galvanized the team. The mix of old and young seems to portend good things for the South Americans and only time will tell if the Albiceleste claims their first title since 1986.
In the UEFA – CONMEBOL Cup of Champions Argentina lost against Italy although they fired 18 shots on or off the goal
Spain (8/1)The Spanish national team are known for their domineering style of football which is fondly called “tiki-taka”. Luis Enrique has restored the free-flowing football from the 2010s and has given younger players the opportunity to grow and show what they have. The likes of Pedri and Gavi have been major beneficiaries. It will be a grand folly for anyone to write off these Spanish talents.
© Reuters
Germany (10/1)Die Mannschaft have been here and there of late. The 2014 champions of the World are always a threat to any team and at any time. Since their disappointment at the Euros, Hansi Flick has built a new crop of hungry players who are ready to do damage to any side at the Mundial. Though they are not as potent as they were in 2014, you should write off the Germans at your own risk.
Netherlands (12/1)The Dutch team, led by Louis Van Gaal, are back in the World cup after missing out on the last edition in Russia. The Dutch are much organized and have very good players who ply their trades at the biggest clubs in the World. In as much as they are ‘underdogs’, they stand a slim chance of finally registering their first World cup title.
Portugal (12/1)Led by Fernando Santos and the evergreen Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portuguese have huge experience and quality in their ranks. Though distant favourites, they stand a good chance of winning their first title.
