2022 WC look ahead

Just starting to go over groups and get a rough-feel for the group stage

Initial look is the a b c d side of the draw is a little weaker in the top end teams. Other side of the draw slightly tougher imo 

Looking like the Dutch, the French and Brazil should take care of their groups. And Belgium as well as Croatia should have harder time going on a run with an aging core. Although Belgium core is aging as well if I'm not mistaken.

Don't follow soccer as much as most of the cappers on here so any input is appreciated

Question #1: Russia advanced from Group Play four years ago because of some helpful officiating. With FIFA’s history, you know the host country will get some calls. Then again, Qatar isn’t a good team. Will FIFA do everything they can to help Qatar advance? 

Here are the groups:

Group A 

Qatar, Ecuador, Senegal and Netherlands 

Group B 

England, IR Iran, USA and Wales 

I remember hearing from a Mexico fan that they’re in a group of death. Their game on Thanksgiving weekend against Argentina will be one of the most watched games in California. I know some Mexican-Americans and we’ve had that game circled since June

@Sidehatch

 E F and G look like the toughest groups IMO

@Sidehatch

 Mexico won’t stand a chance against Argentina but anything can happen during World Cup. 

^ It will be the their 2nd game in group play, so we'll be able to see a bit of both teams.  Probably won't learn a whole lot w/ Arg. vs. S.A., but am curious to see how Mexico vs. Poland plays out.  

The sporstbook i follow is BTC365, and the FIFA World Cup odds for the 2022 FIFA are out. Brazil (+450) is favoured to lift the trophy. Argentina (+1000) and defending champion France (+550) are also considered strong contenders, but there are several other FIFA World Cup teams with a chance to make noise at the tournament. Now, here are my two bits:

When looking at World Cup 2022, Belgium is often up there with the top teams. Although people consider their “golden generation” to have passed, they are still a formidable international squad. They have some amazing talent, including Courtois, Hazard, Lukaku, Vertonghen and Alderweireld. Spain has been quietly improving and should arguably have won Euro 2020. Since their former glories in the 2010s, their squad has drastically changed. And what about England? Finishing fourth in the 2018 World Cup, the squad has grown and matured since then, although their recent performances have been hit and miss. Who knows which England will turn up to this tournament? And Argentina? Argentina has tasted World Cup success on two occasions before, could this be the year that Lionel Messi creates his magic? Like Argentina, Brazil is enjoying excellent international form and has only lost one match since 2020. Their squad is packed full of talent with players such as Neymar, Vinicius Jr and Lucas Paqueta, and the overall talent is off the charts. Next to Argentina, Brazil is usually the next favourite to claim their sixth World Cup title.

We can expect, however, the above teams to put on fantastic performances and provide us with some memorable games this November 2022.