World Cup 2022 Predictions
Mayweather fighting Deji?? World cup in November?!! World cup in Qatar?!! I swear this world’s coming to an end. But yes for the first time ever, we have a winter world cup in a country that currently has temperatures of up to 30 degrees 🥵.
Funny enough, the build up has been on Piers Morgan’s interview with CR7, which has caused manner of chaos.. and Sancho is still getting battered on the socials.
However we’re going to bring it back to the world cup, where 32 teams will battle it out for the famous golden trophy.
Fun fact: Participants in world cup changed from 24 to 32 in the 1998 world cup!
and subsequently France’98 was the first ever world cup, I recall (I’m showing my age now). That was a proper generation of football, sharpshooters like Ronaldo (R9), Michael Owen, Bergkamp and the main man Zizou (who was actually remembered for using his head in the right way for this tournament at least!)
But enough of the nostalgia- Back to the present, what can we expect this year?
Well as per usual we have some noticeable absentees. The biggest nation missing are the ‘Euro 2020’ conquerers – The mighty Azzurri. Alongside them, major players won’t be gracing this world cup; including the likes of Salah, Zlatan, Haaland and the biggest miss will certaily be Paul Pogba (and his Hyeenas 👀)
So let’s get to it : My predictions are…
Winners: Argentina
Argentina have always been a force to reckon with in the world cup, but have always fallen short. So why do I think it’ll be any different this time? For me, what’s is this crop of players actually know what it means to win at a major tournament now. They beat Brazil in the Copa America last year and untop of that have been on a 35 game unbeaten streak which is unreal at any level.
Argentina, in the past have always been ‘top heavy’ with great forward options, but lacked that defensive and midfield cover to get them through tournaments. When you look at the team now they have fantastic defensive options like Christian Romero and Manchester United’s Lisandro Martinez. Emilano Martinez’s perfromances for the national team was one of the key reasons Argentina went on to win the Copa America.
Rodrigo De Paul and Paredes bring real balance to the team (although Lo Celso will be a massive miss). Finally you have a dangerous front line (arguably not as strong as previous years, but still a scary prospect for opposition defences). Lautaro, Dybala and Messi need no introduction- but it’s the back up dancers which could be the big difference, with Julian Alvarez, Argentina posses a real threat. You’ve been warned!
Surprise Package: Uruguay
This might be a bit of a cop out- oh well! I always get the impression Uruguay are never really fancied, however in the last three world cups they’ve finished 4th place, lost to colombia in the round of 16 and lost to the eventual winners of 2018 world cup in quarter finals. Their midfield will be a major force, namely Bentancur and the ‘long-shot merchant’ Valverde. Then take your pick from the Golden oldies (Suarez and Cavani) or the new kid on the block Darwin Nunez.
Flops of the tournament: Belgium
Not sure how much you look into fifa rankings before a major tournamnet- but Belgium are sitting 2nd (Above Argentina and France 🤨). So this makes my choice quite straightforward. A bit harsh on them, seeing as in the last world cup, they finished 3rd, didn’t lose a game in the world cup qualifiers and have, arguably, the best midfielder in the world, in Kevin De Bruyne . I still think this team is on a steady decline. They still have good individuals but the likes of Hazard, haven’t been firing on all cylinders and to top that off Stormzy…. I mean Big Rom has not played much football because of injuires.
Player of the tournament: Messi
Have you seen this guy play for PSG this season!? Honourable shout outs to Neymar and Mbappe, but it just feels like Messi’s time this year. Also, Fifa love the guy!
Young player of the tournament: Gavi
Not sure if you saw Darren Bent’s Over 30’s team for the world cup https://twitter.com/DarrenBent/status/1575177714427797504?t=BSNR7MiCCkzF5024_neqjw&s=19. That team has ridiculous talent, so it’s definetly a tournament for the golden oldies, especially as it’s going to be the last we see of this generation.
However there is a new crop coming up and my choice for young player of the tournament is Gavi. To be honest that whole spanish squad is full of young talent including Pedri, Ansu Fati and Nico williams, however my stand out will be Gavi. One of the main reasons Thiago didn’t make this world cup 🤯. At his young age he’s been a major part of helping Barcelona to the top of La Liga before the break and played every game for Spain in winning their Nations league group. His calmness under pressure and ability to ride challenges and control play make him a real asset for the spanish team. Dare I say.. the closest thing we’ve had to Iniesta in years!
Top scorer: Richarlison
C’mon! This isn’t a bad shout. R9 incarnate 😅 😂. (He deserves to be cancelled for that!). Seriously though, Richarlison should be fancied to bag a few this world cup. His record for Brazil stands at 17 goals in 38 games (not too shabby) and in his last 6 games for Brazil, he’s scored 7 goals. So he’s in great form and I think he will continue the form going into the tournament. He has to score goals with Vini Jr, Paquetta and Neymar behind him- surely. P.S – A bit of an outrageous shout but I think it’s justified.
Those are my world cup predictions- be good to hear what your thoughts are. Let’s hope it’s an enjoyable world cup!