Before the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, which started on November 20, there is a series of comments on whether France will be able to continue its success or whether Brazil will win the title for the sixth time. The world’s most famous footballers Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo will also be the center of attention at the event, whose careers will be the last World Cup.
Before the start of the event, defending champions France are hoping to lift the trophy. Some analysts say that after Brazil, France can be the second team to win two consecutive World Cups. Remember that Brazil won back-to-back World Cups in 1958 and 1962/. Here’s a look at the teams that are likely to do well in the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
France: Defending Champions But Lots of Player Facing Injuries
The last World Cup was held in Russia in 2018, which was won by France. It was the second time France had won the World Cup. France is playing in the 2022 World Cup as the defending champions and is going to be the strongest contender to win the cup after Brazil. Last year, the title of ‘Nations Leagues’ was also won by France.
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The French team is said to have no shortage of talent. Its most important asset is called the front line. Among its attackers are 23-year-old Kylian Mbappe and 34-year-old Karim Benzema, a veteran who calls himself ‘Belin d’Or’. When alongside him are Antoine Griezmann, Ousmane Dembele, and Olivier Giroud.
Several key players in the French squad are also facing injuries due to which the most important midfielders Angolo Kant and Paul Pagba have been ruled out of the World Cup.
Similarly, France’s defender Cam Pembe will not be part of the squad while center-back Raphael Varane’s fitness is also questionable.
It should be noted that there have been five of the last six World Cups in which the defending champions have not been able to advance beyond the group stage.
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Brazil: Potential for greater success
Brazil is the team that has won the World Cup more times than any other team. This time too, most observers are showing the possibility of Brazil’s success. Five-time World Cup winners Brazil is currently at the top of the FIFA rankings and could cause problems for defending champions France. Brazil’s star striker Neymar is also showing his performance in full form at this time. Neymar has scored 15 goals in the last 19 matches.
To support Neymar in the team are 22-year-old Vinny Junior of Real Madrid Football Club and 25-year-old Gabriel Jesus of Arsenal Football Club. Former footballer known as Tate, Ednor Leonardo Becky is the coach of Brazil who is considered one of the most experienced people in this World Cup.
On the other hand, very experienced players like 38-year-old Chicago Silva, 28-year-old Makinios, and 39-year-old Dani Alves are present in Brazil’s defensive line.
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Argentina: Lionel Messi’s career lacks a World Cup
Argentina’s squad includes 29-year-old Paulo Dybala, 34-year-old Angel DeMaria, 24-year-old Cristiano Romero, and 25-year-old Lautaro Martinez, as well as key striker Lionel Messi, 35, making Argentina’s squad look quite strong.
Some commentators are calling Argentina the most balanced team of the year because of these players. Along with this, Lionel Scoloni is the coach of the team who is also known as the ‘Success Machine’.
Argentina is the only team that has beaten the favorites for the World Cup in recent times, Brazil. Brazil and Argentina faced each other in the final of the ‘Copa America’ in July last year, in which Argentina defeated Brazil by one zero. This success gave Argentina the opportunity to win this title after 28 years. Argentina has reached the World Cup final five times, winning twice in 1978 and 1986.
In such a situation, it is also being said that the famous player Lionel Messi will be able to win the World Cup for his team. Because the World Cup is the only honor in his career that is not associated with his name.
Portugal: Ronaldo’s departure, new arrivals
Like Lionel Messi, this will be Portugal’s star footballer Cristiano Ronaldo’s last World Cup.
Ronaldo is the star player of Portugal who has won the Ballon d’Or five times. However, since last year, he has also been a victim of many controversies, including differences with the management and coach of the club Manchester United.
Along with the 37-year-old star of Portugal, his team includes 28-year-old Joao Cancelo, 31-year-old midfielder Danilo Pereira, 39-year-old Pepe at center back, 25-year-old Ruben Dias, 20-year-old Nuno Mendes at left-back, 28-year-old midfielder Bernardo Salo. , 23-year-old Jahua Felix and 23-year-old Rafial Liao are present. According to observers, Portugal has the best players in every field on field.
Now it is also being shown the possibility that after the departure of Ronaldo, Portugal’s new players will get a chance to make a name for themselves.
Germany: Impossible to ignore
Germany played in the World Cup 20 years ago as a team that was not considered the main team of the tournament. That was the occasion in 2001 when the German team was defeated by England five to one in the qualifying stage in Munich, Germany. However, in the same event, Germany unexpectedly reached the final where they faced Brazil and Brazil won the title 2-0.
Since then, Germany has reached the semi-finals of the World Cup every time, including winning the title in 2014. However, in 2018, they were already eliminated in the first round. It is now being said that Germany is participating in the World Cup in Qatar with a team that has a chance of success.
The squad also includes 30-year-old Mario Gutierrez, who was part of the 2014 World Cup-winning team, 36-year-old goalkeeper Manuel Neuer and the invincible attacker Thomas Miller.
Along with this, very young players have also been made part of the team including 17-year-old Yusufah Mokoko and 19-year-old Jamal Musyala.
In such a situation, the team managers are hoping that the team can reach the semi-finals or one step further. They have this hope because after 18 months, the biggest European football competition ‘Euro 2024’ is hosted by Germany.
