Opinion
The World Cup draw has just taken place in the lead-up to Qatar, and it delivered some fascinating results.
Before we delve into who’s looking good and who’s sweating, let’s take a look at the groups.
Group A: Qatar, Ecuador, Netherlands and Senegal.
Group B: England, Iran, USA and Scotland, Wales or Ukraine.
Group C: Argentina, Saudi Arabia and Mexico, Poland.
Group D: France, Denmark, Tunisia and UAE, Australia or Peru.
Group E: Spain, Germany, Japan and Costa Rica or New Zealand.
Group F: Belgium, Canada, Morocco and Croatia.
Group G: Brazil, Serbia, Switzerland and Cameroon.
Group H: Portugal, Ghana, Uruguay and South Korea.
In this article I will look at who have benefited from this group draw and who will feel harshly done by.
Netherlands
Any team who were in Pot 2 and also in Group A would be happy. Qatar, as hosts, were in Pot 1 and looked out of place in the same company as countries such as England, Brazil and France. So Netherlands, a Pot 2 team, are the best country in Group A. Yes, Senegal look like a challenge, but Ecuador are the worst South American team to qualify.
Argentina
Saudi Arabia, Mexico and Poland seem to be countries that Argentina can comfortably beat. They are one of the favourites and have a strong squad in many areas. Their only weakness is a lack of depth in defence. They will be expected to go far and ease through this group.
(Photo by Alexandre Schneider/Getty Images)
Canada
Over the past week I have heard many people say that they wished they wouldn’t have to play Canada, and as an England supporter, I have the same opinion. In their first World Cup since 1986, they have been building strongly, led by English coach John Herdman. With their two main faces in Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David, Canada face Belgium and Croatia, two countries that have declining and ageing players. Belgium are still definitely a very tough team, but Croatia are nowhere near as strong as they were in 2018, when they made history and reached the final. Canada will feel like they can beat Morocco and maybe even sneak into the last 16.
Japan
Drawn against Spain, Germany, and Costa Rica or New Zealand, you must feel sorry for Japanese supporters right now. Germany probably would be in Pot 1 if it weren’t for Qatar taking up a place, so Japan will feel frustrated that Germany are the Pot 2 country they have to face. Spain are also building a formidable team, with young midfielder Pedro González López at the front of it. Their only issue having no striker who can be expected to always deliver, with Alvaro Morata currently their starting striker.
Ghana
Portugal and Uruguay are two teams to be feared. Uruguay are one of the best Pot 2 countries, and Portugal are a great side solid in defence with Joao Cancelo, creative in midfield with Bernardo Silva and potent in attack with Cristiano Ronaldo. South Korea famously upset Germany in 2018 and with Son Heung-Min better than ever, and they can do it again. I doubt Ghana will get a point in this tournament.
Cameroon
Switzerland, Serbia, and Brazil. Cameroon will definitely struggle to compete. Brazil, as mentioned before, are one of the favourites, and Serbia and Switzerland should not be underestimated, especially Serbia. No-one expected them to get an automatic qualification spot, and Switzerland progressed from a group with European champions Italy in it. Three countries are very capable of going far.
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