Ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup which kicks off on November 20 (Sunday), Sports Tak predicts the likely favourites to clinch football's biggest prize in Qatar.
Ronaldo and his motley crew in final search for ultimate treasure: Atishay Jain
Will it be the fifth time lucky for arguably one of the greatest footballers of all time? This is one question that every Portugal national football team follower has in his or her mind right now as Cristiano Ronaldo gears up to lace his boots for one last dance at FIFA World Cup. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner's previous four appearances in the quadrennial global competition didn't go according to plans but the fifth and probably the final participation carries significant chances of a fairytale ending for the Portuguese phenomenon.
This time the outlook of Portugal's squad is completely different as they probably boast the best squad they have ever had in a FIFA World Cup. Apart from Ronaldo, Fernando Santos will have the luxury of exceptional players like Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes, and Joao Cancelo among several others, who have been performing tremendously for their respective clubs in Europe's top five leagues
A thorough glance at Portugal's squad is enough for a staunch football follower to term A Selecao as a contender for the biggest trophy in the sport. Portugal is a side loaded with match-winners in every position. It is a team that has a good blend of youth and experience. Ronaldo has always thrived in adversities and the five-time Ballon d'Or winner knows all eyes are on him after his sensational interview. When light shines bright, Ronaldo shines the brightest.
Spain's school of football might finally come good: Noel Adrian Corera
Gifted with talent might not be the ideal formula for winning the trophy but it gives the youngsters of Spain the perfect platform to display their abilities on a global stage. Head coach Luis Enrique has taken this Spanish team from strength to strength under his tutelage at the FIFA World Cup is a chance for these untested players to build their game at the international level.
Many players are plying their trade for the same club, especially Barcelona. Enrique will be counting on this at the World Cup for sure, but the onus will lie on captain Sergio Busquets to guide the youngsters in the squad. Busquets is the only player in the squad who was a part of Spain's 2010 triumph, he will no doubt make up the leadership group alongside Dani Carvajal, his Barcelona teammate Jordi Alba, and Chelsea's Cesar Azpilicueta.
Gavi, Pedri, Ansu Fati, Yeremy Pino, Nico Williams, Ferran Torres, and Hugo Guillamon are just some of the young players in Spain's 26-man squad. At such a big stage, the pressure of performing for the country is immense and the team's performance will fall on the shoulders of these players. Especially the duo of Pedri and Gavi, who were the last two recipients of the coveted Kopa Trophy (Golden Boy award).
But the lack of a striker might haunt them yet again. Spain have gone to the World Cup with one out-and-out striker in Atletico Madrid's Alvaro Morata. Despite being not-so-liked by the fans, Morata has been a staple in front for Spain, and with good reason. He has scored 27 goals in 57 appearances, but might not be as good a penalty kicker as Gerard Moreno, who is injured. This young side reached the semis of the Euro 2020, where they lost on penalties to Italy. This side have also performed well in the UEFA Nations League, reaching the semifinals of the 2023 edition for a second consecutive time.
Time for Brazil to end the rut: Abhijeet Kumar Singh
One of the most historically dominant sides in the world of football, Brazil have pinned their hopes on winning a sixth title at the World Cup in Qatar. Their last triumph came way back in 2022, and a 20-year dry spell is not the only worry for them. Their humiliating 2014 World Cup semifinal loss will surely be fresh in their minds; A 7-1 hammering by Germany in front of the home crowd was not something the Brazil team was looking forward to.
Fast-forward to eight years and Brazil are one of the strongest contenders to lift the coveted trophy. Imagine having Ederson and Alisson as your two goalkeepers in the squad. Combined with the experience of Marquinhos (PSG), Thiago Silva (Chelsea), and Dani Alves in defence and a midfield of Champions League winners in Casemiro and Fabinho, its a formula for success.
If you think having too many options upfront can be a problem for someone then the 2022 brazil squad is right up there. How can you decide between Martinelli, Neymar, Vinicius, Antony, Rodrygo, Raphina, Richarlison, Pedro and Jesus.
Brazil has traditionally been a side that dwells on their strikers but having that solid defence and dynamic midfield you might hope that where is the scope for error. Walking into this tournament they are favourites to qualify for the knock-outs and the real challenge would be posed by the likes of Spain, Argentina, France, and even England. It's only a matter of time before we find out whether the favourites tag on this Brazil squad is justified or not but for now it would be fair to say that they are the strongest team on paper.
Is it finally coming home? Arun Rawal
Is it coming home or is it going to Rome? Well with the Azzuri out, England won't be worried about going to Rome like the 2020 Euros. Jos Buttler, England's captain in the press conference before the Pakistan game said if his men win the T20 World Cup it would inspire the English football team to pull off an encore in the FIFA World Cup in Qatar next month. With England sealing that World Cup, is it a sign that the Three Lions can end the 56-year wait?
Will Southgate learn from his mistakes?
Gareth Southgate has been on the receiving end of criticism from the home crowd with constant persistence with certain players. Having favoured players from the big 6, Southgate has been criticised for ignoring some youngsters in the past. But the squad that is traveling to Qatar has shown some serious potential in the recent past. England's captain Harry Kane had a poor start to the season with Tottenham but towards the closing end, the English striker picked up form which will be the key for England's journey in the World Cup. It's not just Kane that will be carrying the hopes of English fans but the star-studded squad which has some marquee names will be the key for their journey all through.
Experienced midfield
Declan Rice was linked with a move to Manchester United and some of the big clubs in Europe. The West Ham midfielder has grown massively under manager David Moyes. He along with Chelsea star Mason mount and experienced Jordon Henderson and young gun Jude Bellingham will bring a lot of stability to their core.
In-form forwards
England's team has always had the advantage while pressing forward. England's front line has the leverage of multiple options. Manchester City duo Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, and Arsenal's sensation Bukayo Saka have been tremendous for their club sides. Marcus Rashford has proven important when coming off the bench under United boss Ten hang and he will pose a lot of threat from the bench.
Weak defense a worry?
Although the likes of Luke Shaw and Trent have been good for England in the past their current form and both Liverpool and united struggling at the back may be a worry for England. United's out of favour skipper Harry Maguire has been in and out of the Red Devils’ squad due to multiple injuries. The lack of game time for England's first-choice center-back will be a big worry for Southgate.
