Fairytale Story or Nightmare Fuel? FIFA World Cup 2022 Team by Team Previewer
By Mark Cooper (Sports Editor)
DISCLAIMER
To preface this week’s article, it is of vital importance that the looming elephant in the room is addressed. From as far back as the infamous press conference held by Sepp Blatter in which the 2022 World Cup was awarded to Qatar, controversy has surrounded the host nation’s alleged bribery, human rights violations and unprecedented construction deaths.
However, if one could ignore the inherent bribery in the build-up to South Africa 2010, the bulldozing of low-income favelas for the construction of Brazil 2014 stadiums as well as the treatment of LGBTQ+ citizens during Russia 2018, why are we reluctant to support the tournament on this occasion? Some might say we are more aware of the issues this year, and they may be morally correct in their choice not to tune in.For the rest of us, we will have to watch the tournament with certain reservations. We can enjoy seeing some of the greatest players of all time, and as Irish fans support whichever team captures our imaginations.
HOW THEY SHAPE UP – BOTTOM TO TOP
32. Qatar
The host nation has a body of players largely untested outside of their domestic league. Unlikely to spring a shock.
31. Tunisia
Tunisia national team superstar Youssef Msakni will no doubt use his experience of playing in Qatari stadiums to his advantage, but the inexperienced head coach Jalel Kadri may struggle.
30. Iran
Rumours swirling that Iran may not be permitted to compete in the tournament due to their involvement in Ukraine, preparations cannot have been optimal. Not likely to progress either way.
29. Costa Rica
In a group with Spain and Germany. ‘Good Night Irene.’
28. Japan
See ‘Costa Rica’ above.
27. Saudi Arabia
A fan walking 1600 km through desert to reach Qatar hopes to inspire his team, but the experience of Salman Al Faraj and the goalscoring of Salem Al Dawsari may not be enough to emerge from the group.
26. Australia
Far from the golden generation who featured in 2006, the Socceroos will hope Newcastle signing Garang Kuol might feature and demonstrate his raw ability on the world stage.
25. South Korea
The success of South Korea largely rests on the availability of Son Heung-Min. Son has had successful surgery on a fractured eye socket. Dangerous if he is fit.
24. USA
“We believe that we will win” may well echo throughout the Qatari stadiums this November as the ‘Lebron James of Soccer’(Pulisic) takes the field. However, the chants will not continue into December, with Wales and England likely to take out their transatlantic cousin.
23. Canada
Facing a difficult group containing Belgium and Croatia, few will expect Canada to emerge into the knockout stages, especially given a run of injuries to star player Alfonso Davies of Bayern Munich.
23. Ecuador
Narrowly escaping disqualification following controversy surrounding Byron Castillo, the Ecuadorians will be up against the odds to top either Netherlands or the high-flying Senegal. Unlikely to move further.
22. Morocco
Morocco, who lost only twice in 12 matches in 2022, will back themselves to beat Canada, but will otherwise struggle. Chelsea winger Hakim Ziyech and Bayern Munich defender Noussair Mazraoui are back in the squad, boosting their chances to make it out of the group.
21. Cameroon
Cameroon look well-placed to make a splash. With a shock qualification over Ivory Coast, following a heart-stopping win on the road against Algeria, do not rule out the Indomitable Lions, lead by AFCON top scorer Vincent Aboubakar. Hard to dislike.
20. Mexico
Finishing below Canada, Mexico have World Cup pedigree but will hope to avoid an eighth straight exit at the round of sixteen stage. Wolves frontman Jimenez will look to replace the goals of ‘Chicharito’ (Unselected even after 18 LA Galaxy goals this season.)
18. Wales
With their talisman Gareth Bale now in the U.S, he may not have the fitness we have come to expect from the former Real Madrid star. However, with Ben Davies and company behind him, there is nothing to suggest they couldn’t spring a shock.
17. Switzerland
The Swiss went through qualifying unbeaten, taking out Italy along the way, scoring fifteen and conceding only two. Fabian Schar, Granit Xhaka and Breel Embolo will not buy into their underdog tag.
16. Poland
Poland should qualify comfortably from Group C, and with Robert Lewandowski looking to avenge his continued snubbing in the race for the Ballon d’Or. The sky is the limit.
15. Netherlands
With the poor form of Virgil Van Dijk at club level, this Netherlands team is not the monster they were when finishing third at the 2014 World Cup. Frenkie De Jong and Memphis Depay have impressed this season, but with limited playing time at Barcelona. Strong on paper, but paper never kicked a ball.
14. Ghana
With such Premier League talent as Tariq Lamptey, Daniel Amartey and Jordan Ayew, don’t bet against the Ghanaians securing victories over Uruguay and South Korea to progress. Watch this space.
13. Serbia
Having earned promotion to the top flight of the Nations League, the Serbians will be comfortable as they head to Qatar. Stojkovic's side will rely on such players as Aleksander Mitrovic to win out against technically superior sides.
12. Denmark
Denmark is experiencing a golden era, indicative of its FIFA ranking of 10th. Midfielder Christian Eriksen remains the most influential player for the Danes and sets the tempo for his side. Dark horses.
11. Uruguay
In spite of an impressive qualifying campaign, it is difficult to judge whether 35-year-old Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani can join forces once more to exceed expectations. Darwin Nunez and Federico Valverde could also explode onto the big stage.
10. Senegal
The Lions will be Africa’s best chance this year, and should seek to go further than any nation has before, having topped their qualifying group. Bayern Munich’s Sadio Mané and Leicester’s Nampalys Mendy will need to bring all they have to take their well-balanced squad to new levels.
9. Croatia
Beaten finalists in 2018, a disappointing Euro 2020 campaign did little to inspire confidence. However, an impressive recent run of form, with Luka Modric and Andrej Kramaric showing well, may kickstart a run to the latter stages.
8. Belgium
Belgium have consistently underperformed on the international stage. This year, their so-called ‘Golden Generation’ has one last chance to make everything click. Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, Thibaut Courtois and Eden Hazard will have a point to prove.
7. England
After a gut-wrenching Euro 2020 loss to Italy, Southgate and his fresh-looking squad will be on the hunt. Harry Kane, Raheem Sterling and Jack Grealish will look to reach new heights, but one fears selection decisions have created unease in the squad. Hard to support.
6. Spain
Barcelona’s teenage sensations Pedri and Gavi will be eager to replicate their La Liga form during their first senior major tournament, but their inexperience may show. (Only four players selected by Luis Enrique have over 50 caps). Perhaps four years too early.
5. Germany
When Bastian Schweinsteiger says that Germany does not have the squad to win in Qatar, you listen. Consistency has been lacking in their run to the tournament, especially when the opposition are set up well defensively. Manuel Neuer’s experience will help the Germans avoid an embarrassing group stage exit, but to go all the way may be a bridge too far.
4. France
In spite of their incredibly talented roster (Mbappe, Varane, Benzema et al), there may not be the hunger in the squad to go to the well once more and secure a second consecutive Jules Rimet trophy. See Germany in 2018.
3. Portugal
With Cristiano Ronaldo in exile at Manchester United, he will look to lead his team into what will be his last World Cup, hopefully reminding us that he is one of the greatest players of all time. However, with Pedro Neto and Diogo Jota both sidelined with injuries, the extended squad will have to step up in a big way.
2. Brazil
Having lost out to Argentina in the 2021 Copa América, Neymar, Thiago Silva and Casemiro will be out for blood. Entering the tournament as justifiable favourites, with a mouth-watering wealth of talent and a well-experienced manager in Tite. Should do it.
1. Argentina
Nostalgia and romance are certainly at play in the top spot. Lionel Messi is the greatest player that this writer has ever seen live, and all that is missing from his legacy is a World Cup. Famous for going missing with his country on the big stage, it must surely be true that we are all rooting for a Portugal v Argentina showdown on the 18th of December. Ronaldo v Messi, Freak of Body v Freak of Mind, Power v Artistry. Argentina might not have the strongest squad, but if Messi were to lift the Jules Rimet in his 1000th game there would be tears shed.