world cup, World Cup 2022

2022 World Cup Groups Stage Predictions

2022 World Cup Groups Stage Predictions

The 2022 World Cup is just days away now so as is customary it’s time to make our predictions as to how the groups will finish. We don’t see any major shocks however the battle for the top spot could be close in quite a few groups.

Anyway here are our predictions for the group stages…

Group A

1 Netherlands 3-0-0
2 Senegal          2-0-1
3 Ecuador         0-1-2
4 Qatar              0-1-2

Possibly the weakest group in the competition, however not weak enough for the hosts to progress. There is not a brown paper envelope big enough to hold the cash that would take in bribes. Joking aside the Netherlands should cruise through this group.

Senegal looks like the pick of the rest and possibly the strongest of the African contingent. They will be without Sadio Mane for their opening games, but there is enough premier league talent in the squad to see them through to the knockout stages.

Group B

1 England 2-1-0
2 Wales 0-3-0
3 United States 0-2-1
4 Iran 0-2-1

This is quite a tricky group to predict with all four teams being highly ranked (Iran is the lowest at 21).  England should beat both Iran & The USA and that means they can ease off for the final game against the Welsh. The USA & Iran will be hard to beat but could ultimately fall just short.

Group C

1 Argentina 3-0-0
2 Mexico 2-0-1
3 Poland 0-1-2
4 Saudi Arabia 0-1-2

Argentina is currently on a  35-game unbeaten run (W24 D11) and looks by far the class team in this group. They should win all three games possibly with some ease. Mexico invariably makes the knockout stages and this year looks no different. Their match against Poland should decide who progresses

Group D

1 France 2-1-0
2 Denmark 2-1-0
3 Australia 1-0-2
4 Tunisia 0-0-3

This looks like a shootout between France and the Danes and it could go down to goal difference. Both these teams are in form and both will be keen to win the group so avoiding Argentina in the last 16. Australia will be a tough out but they don’t look good enough to get anything from either of them however they should avoid the wooden spoon.

Group E

1 Germany 2-1-0
2 Spain 2-1-0
3 Japan 1-0-2
4 Costa Rica 0-0-3

Another group that could go down to goal difference. Germany takes on Costa Rica last and by that time the Central Americans are likely to have nothing left to play for. That could be decisive. Japan has been a little unlucky getting this draw and they will give a good account of themselves before bowing out.

Group F

1 Belgium 2-1-0
2 Croatia 2-1-0
3 Canada 1-0-2
4 Morocco 0-0-3

The Belgians tend to get through the group stages at major tournaments with a minimum of fuss, only to choke at the later stages. We think this is likely this year too, especially as many of their recent stars are now reaching the veteran stage. Kevin De Bruyne & Thibaut Courtois will need to be at their best to ensure they win the group. Croatia should push them all the way but will find it hard to repeat 2018’s Final place. Luka Modric is by far their best player, but at 37 we wonder how well he will last.

Group G

1 Brazil 3-0-0
2 Switzerland 1-1-1
3 Cameroon 0-2-1
4 Serbia 0-1-2

Brazil should cruise through this group as they look to end their 24-year World Cup winning drought. They must be good if they can afford to leave Roberto Firmino out! The second place battle could be close and looks to be between the Swiss & Cameroon. We are picking Switzerland to go though but are not confident.

Group H

1 Uruguay 3-0-0
2 Portugal 2-0-1
3 South Korea 1-0-2
4 Ghana 0-0-3 

Uruguay has some quality younger players coming through headed by the sensational Federico Valverde. They are our dark horse team (so now jinxed). Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani are still playing at a high level and their goals might just see them top the group. This will in all probability be Suarez’s last World Cup So Like Messi & Ronaldo he will be highly motivated.

Luis Suarez will Play for Uruguay in the 2022 World Cup.

Image: Alizada Studios/Shutterstock.com

 

So there we have it, our predictions for groups A-H. Who do we think will win it? Argentina and you can check our last 16 onwards predictions here

 

Check out our other 2022 World Cup Posts

Header Image: rarrarorro/Shutterstock.com

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