2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar - UEFA Qualifiers

[Daniel91]

Now that all the groups for the 2022 Worlds are closed, who do you think will make it through each group?

I think the following countries will qualify...
Group A: Senegal / Netherlands
Group B: England/Wales (but maybe USA instead of Wales...)
Group C: Argentina / Mexico
Group D: France/Denmark
Group E: Spain / Germany
Group F: Belgium / Croatia
Group G: Brazil / Switzerland (but this is the hardest group to predict because it could go anywhere with Brazil...)
Group H: Portugal / Uruguay

You have chosen all the sure favorites, but as we know, there have been big surprises at every World Cup, so there will be some at this World Cup as well..
Most of us follow exclusively European football and we tend to underestimate the strength and quality of teams from other continents, primarily from Africa and Asia.
As for Group G, I think that the Serbian team is very good, and that they have a very good chance of being better than Switzerland.
In any case, a very uncertain and interesting World Cup awaits us.

[buwaytress]

I am South American and I know what the capabilities of Peru are, IF something that Australia has as an advantage over Peru has always been the height of the players, if they are intelligent they manage to develop more air soccer for the World Cup that they really need to do and have more dynamics, free kicks are the best they can take advantage of if they are not given the strategies for Australia in the World Cup, they must play faster, everyone is talking about these classifications, both Australia and Costa Rica, many really believed that Peru was going to go, however I am glad to see these countries in the World Cup are deserving.

Trust me, I know the abilities of South Americans -- which is why I said they're technically better, understand game management more, but physical advantage is always an advantage in football. Even can see it in Premier League.

I'm Southeast Asian so it's no point of discussion I don't get either. Set pieces are at least 20% of the game and I've played a lot of games where you simply can't defend corners if they pack 3 or 4 players over 6 ft when your tallest guy (me) is 5'5 haha.

Wonder what the odds on England will be. A lot of people were considering them amongst the favourites (not outright favourite, but up there with the top teams). However England have had a pretty disastrous couple of weeks, culminating in that astonishingly bad 0-4 home defeat to Hungary the other day. Perhaps this might cause England to be under-rated for the tournament? They still have strong players and a favourable draw... the potential is there if not (currently) the confidence. A couple of goals and a morale-boosting win at the start of the WC could transform them.

Never good. They'll always be a favourite or top 3 and odds aren't great. I'd take them above 10/1 but matter of fact is they're not good enough as a team. Great talent but people bet on them a lot too so bookie lines are skewed. Brazil worth it for 5/1, Germany and France 8/1. Netherlands around 15/1 should be extremely good value too (to me).

[lulumiya]

Now that all the groups for the 2022 Worlds are closed, who do you think will make it through each group?

I think the following countries will qualify...
Group A: Senegal / Netherlands
Group B: England/Wales (but maybe USA instead of Wales...)
Group C: Argentina / Mexico
Group D: France/Denmark
Group E: Spain / Germany
Group F: Belgium / Croatia
Group G: Brazil / Switzerland (but this is the hardest group to predict because it could go anywhere with Brazil...)
Group H: Portugal / Uruguay

I agree with your both choices in the Group A, B (I'd prefer Wales over USA), D, E, F and H. I think Poland has the potential to get past Mexico in the group. Their current look in the Nations League shouldn't mislead people as they don't take it very seriously. For the Group G, I think Cameroon might manage to leave Switzerland behind by taking the second spot. They impressed me in the qualification round and they can maintain this too. I don't see Switzerland as more reliable for now.

[Boristhecat]

Costa Rica plays tactical. they managed to score early in the game and set up an impenetrable defense. New Zealand was not without chances, making 15 shots but only 4 on target. it frustrates players.

Costa Rica was only able to control 30% possession of the ball. and that was enough to get the win. Regarding the performance in the finals, I think the coach just needs to come up with a new strategy. moreover, Costa Rica is in the grub which is not easy. Spain, Germany, and Japan are all strong teams.

Costa Rica played very competently and apparently, if it were necessary, they could have scored more. As for the World Cup prospects, obviously they will be the points supplier and their maximum is to beat Japan somehow, but the third place will be only honorable without any practical value.

[Minecache]

Costa Rica plays tactical. they managed to score early in the game and set up an impenetrable defense. New Zealand was not without chances, making 15 shots but only 4 on target. it frustrates players.
Costa Rica was only able to control 30% possession of the ball. and that was enough to get the win. Regarding the performance in the finals, I think the coach just needs to come up with a new strategy. moreover, Costa Rica is in the grub which is not easy. Spain, Germany, and Japan are all strong teams.

Costa Rica played very competently and apparently, if it were necessary, they could have scored more. As for the World Cup prospects, obviously they will be the points supplier and their maximum is to beat Japan somehow, but the third place will be only honorable without any practical value.

Costa Rica's performance in the last few matches is good. They are consistently performing well. But still, I think they will not be able to cross the first round of the World Cup. They are in Group E. Every team here is strong. I don't think Costa Rica will win any matches. Spain, Germany and Japan are all very strong teams. Winning against them is very challenging for Costa Rica.

[KTChampions]

Australia often takes part in the finals of the World Cup, so I immediately noticed this couple and overestimation of Peru. But as I said, I forgot to bet on the game.

Australian national football association (Football Australia) made a strategic move to move from OFC to AFC in 2005. And since then, they have participated in each and every edition of the world cup (2006, 2010, 2014, 2018 and now 2022). When they were part of the OFC, as a result of the complex qualification criteria set up by the FIFA, they could qualify only once (in 1974). But to be fair, at least on paper, Peru was a far better team when compared to Australia. And in general I would say that any team from CONMEBOL is far ahead of any team from AFC.

I think the main reason for Australia's transition from OFC to AFC was not the World Cup (they still have to play play-offs to get a ticket, like now for example) but a too low level of OFC.
I know that Peru was a fair favorite in this pair, but the only thing that matters for betting is underestimation or overestimation of the team. Australia was undervalued and the bet on it was profitable. If the bookmakers overestimated Australia (this does not mean that the odds for its victory would be two times lower - even 15% percent matter), then it would be worth betting on Peru.

[Mr.right85]

With the world cup around the corner and with England and France having a real tough time in the nations League will it be down to tiredness or fatigue. Players and former players notably Wayne Rooney have come out to speak about the effect of the nations League on players and named it a glorified friendly. But it doesn't mean we don't know that France and England are struggling at the time. Gareth Southgate is under fire tho some players have come out to speak in defence of their manager. I wonder if they would have done otherwise as, it could be some win favour with the coach but the decline in form makes there chances of posing any challenge in the world cup neglect able but this also could be a strength if they could capitalise on it when they notice the neglect from there opponents.

[joker_josue]

Now that all the groups for the 2022 Worlds are closed, who do you think will make it through each group?

I think the following countries will qualify...
Group A: Senegal / Netherlands
Group B: England/Wales (but maybe USA instead of Wales...)
Group C: Argentina / Mexico
Group D: France/Denmark
Group E: Spain / Germany
Group F: Belgium / Croatia
Group G: Brazil / Switzerland (but this is the hardest group to predict because it could go anywhere with Brazil...)
Group H: Portugal / Uruguay

Overall, I agree with your choices.

Perhaps in Group C, Poland can compete for the second place in the group with Mexico. Other than that, I'm not seeing many more surprises.
But normally in these competitions, there is always a surprise team. Which will be?

[erep]

Overall, I agree with your choices.

Perhaps in Group C, Poland can compete for the second place in the group with Mexico. Other than that, I'm not seeing many more surprises.
But normally in these competitions, there is always a surprise team. Which will be?

I think that Poland and Mexico are only competing for the position of the second group but for Argentina to represent the group for the next match, I hope that in the quarter matches will be represented from the big countries with the top players list, because the list of each country with the top players is different between groups then it is possible to meet face to face to fight for the victory of each match.

[coco23]

~

Overall, I agree with your choices.

Perhaps in Group C, Poland can compete for the second place in the group with Mexico. Other than that, I'm not seeing many more surprises.
But normally in these competitions, there is always a surprise team. Which will be?

It really seems like clear choices who will qualify in the different groups, but I think we will see way more than 1 surprise team in the first round. Of course it is not a completely fair comparison, but if you look at the Nations League in Europe, many group standings are upside down with teams like France, England and Germany behind Denamrk or Hungary. The level of competition is just generally very high, so that luck will become and important factor.
Who the surprise teams will be? No idea, maybe Ecuador, Serbia or Japan?

[Sithara007]

I think the following countries will qualify...
Group A: Senegal / Netherlands
Group B: England/Wales (but maybe USA instead of Wales...)
Group C: Argentina / Mexico
Group D: France/Denmark
Group E: Spain / Germany
Group F: Belgium / Croatia
Group G: Brazil / Switzerland (but this is the hardest group to predict because it could go anywhere with Brazil...)
Group H: Portugal / Uruguay

A lot of people tend to overestimate the capability of AFC and CAF teams, while ignoring those from CONMEBOL and UEFA. I can see the same pattern in your predictions. Mine would be as follows:

Group A: Ecuador / Netherlands
Group B: England/Wales
Group C: Argentina / Mexico
Group D: France/Denmark
Group E: Spain / Germany
Group F: Belgium / Croatia
Group G: Brazil / Serbia
Group H: Portugal / Uruguay

I have just 2 changes from your prediction - Ecuador instead of Senegal, Serbia instead of Switzerland.

[smartaction]

Now that all the groups for the 2022 Worlds are closed, who do you think will make it through each group?

I think the following countries will qualify...
Group A: Senegal / Netherlands
Group B: England/Wales (but maybe USA instead of Wales...)
Group C: Argentina / Mexico
Group D: France/Denmark
Group E: Spain / Germany
Group F: Belgium / Croatia
Group G: Brazil / Switzerland (but this is the hardest group to predict because it could go anywhere with Brazil...)
Group H: Portugal / Uruguay

I agree with you. I think Group C (Argentina /Mexico)  can get 2nd position. I love Argentina and i always support Argentina a lot. I am big fan of Argentina

[swogerino]

Now that all the groups for the 2022 Worlds are closed, who do you think will make it through each group?

I think the following countries will qualify...
Group A: Senegal / Netherlands
Group B: England/Wales (but maybe USA instead of Wales...)
Group C: Argentina / Mexico
Group D: France/Denmark
Group E: Spain / Germany
Group F: Belgium / Croatia
Group G: Brazil / Switzerland (but this is the hardest group to predict because it could go anywhere with Brazil...)
Group H: Portugal / Uruguay

I agree with you. I think Group C (Argentina /Mexico)  can get 2nd position. I love Argentina and i always support Argentina a lot. I am big fan of Argentina

I also love Argentina and their football,I think it is finally time that Messi wins a big event,the World Cup as this may very well be his last World Cup appearance.Sure he has said many times that he is thinking retirement from the National team but lately he has won some "low" prizes Cup and I think this has only increased his appetite to do better in major events like the World Cup.

It would also be interesting to see Brazil and Uruguay how they will do in the World Cup,personally I think that some team from South America will win this or Europe,this has always been the case here.

[joker_josue]

It would also be interesting to see Brazil and Uruguay how they will do in the World Cup,personally I think that some team from South America will win this or Europe,this has always been the case here.

I think that this year, the European teams are a little below their usual level. That's why Brazil and Argentina are the best positioned to reach the final.

From Europe, I think only England will be able to make an interesting World Cup. On the other hand, as in Europe the championships will be halfway through, players may appear with an unexpected performance.

[3meek]

Now that all the groups for the 2022 Worlds are closed, who do you think will make it through each group?

I think the following countries will qualify...
Group A: Senegal / Netherlands
Group B: England/Wales (but maybe USA instead of Wales...)
Group C: Argentina / Mexico
Group D: France/Denmark
Group E: Spain / Germany
Group F: Belgium / Croatia
Group G: Brazil / Switzerland (but this is the hardest group to predict because it could go anywhere with Brazil...)
Group H: Portugal / Uruguay

Overall, I agree with your choices.

Perhaps in Group C, Poland can compete for the second place in the group with Mexico. Other than that, I'm not seeing many more surprises.
But normally in these competitions, there is always a surprise team. Which will be?

I don't think Poland has a chance against Mexico and Argentina... Poland is like Wales or Sweden - a team of one player, but Lewandowski will not be able to pull his team through against such strong opponents... As for surprises i am sure its will be in this World Cup, as usual, but which team will be the surprise i cannot guess... Netherlands or Spain maybe? Young players after all...

[CryptoPanda]

Now that all the groups for the 2022 Worlds are closed, who do you think will make it through each group?

I think the following countries will qualify...
Group A: Senegal / Netherlands
Group B: England/Wales (but maybe USA instead of Wales...)
Group C: Argentina / Mexico
Group D: France/Denmark
Group E: Spain / Germany
Group F: Belgium / Croatia
Group G: Brazil / Switzerland (but this is the hardest group to predict because it could go anywhere with Brazil...)
Group H: Portugal / Uruguay

I agree with you. I think Group C (Argentina /Mexico)  can get 2nd position. I love Argentina and i always support Argentina a lot. I am big fan of Argentina

I also love Argentina and their football,I think it is finally time that Messi wins a big event,the World Cup as this may very well be his last World Cup appearance.Sure he has said many times that he is thinking retirement from the National team but lately he has won some "low" prizes Cup and I think this has only increased his appetite to do better in major events like the World Cup.

It would also be interesting to see Brazil and Uruguay how they will do in the World Cup,personally I think that some team from South America will win this or Europe,this has always been the case here.

I must say this has to be the biggest and most prestigious trophy in football history and every players dream. Messi has come close to achieving this on few occasions and failed and almost giving up International career at some point but since winning a trophy with his nationally side against brazil last year I see an improved Argentina team desperate to do better, they play better now and seem to be more motivated same thing with the Brazilian side and Uruguayan side. This teams will be a thriller to watch in this world cup so lets keep our fingers crossed because anything can happen.

[Boristhecat]

Costa Rica played very competently and apparently, if it were necessary, they could have scored more. As for the World Cup prospects, obviously they will be the points supplier and their maximum is to beat Japan somehow, but the third place will be only honorable without any practical value.

Costa Rica's performance in the last few matches is good. They are consistently performing well. But still, I think they will not be able to cross the first round of the World Cup. They are in Group E. Every team here is strong. I don't think Costa Rica will win any matches. Spain, Germany and Japan are all very strong teams. Winning against them is very challenging for Costa Rica.

I didn't check the order of the games, but it often happens that for example, the favorite wins two games and the competitors draw, so he guarantees himself the first place ahead of schedule and in the last round the coach gives the main team a rest. So if in the last round Costa Rica plays with such an unmotivated Germany, then it may be able to draw or even win.

[wxa7115]

It would also be interesting to see Brazil and Uruguay how they will do in the World Cup,personally I think that some team from South America will win this or Europe,this has always been the case here.

I think that this year, the European teams are a little below their usual level. That's why Brazil and Argentina are the best positioned to reach the final.

From Europe, I think only England will be able to make an interesting World Cup. On the other hand, as in Europe the championships will be halfway through, players may appear with an unexpected performance.

This is a difficult World Cup to predict due to all the circumstances that surround it, the fact the tournament will be played at the end of the year will without a doubt affect the performance of the players.

Right now European teams are not really looking that solid but that is because of the great deal of games their players have been participating recently, so I expect things to improve once we get closer to the World Cup and their players can get some rest, however without a doubt I will give Argentina and Brazil the greater chances to win the tournament, however while Argentina is playing in an accessible group, according to the statistics I have seen Brazil is playing on the most difficult group of the tournament, which may force them to play all three games with their starters on the group stage not allowing them to rest them during the last game, which can be a huge handicap when moving forward.

[Sithara007]

I didn't check the order of the games, but it often happens that for example, the favorite wins two games and the competitors draw, so he guarantees himself the first place ahead of schedule and in the last round the coach gives the main team a rest. So if in the last round Costa Rica plays with such an unmotivated Germany, then it may be able to draw or even win.

History tells us that Costa Rica is a team that is very much capable of creating upsets. Remember the 2014 World Cup? They were placed in the toughest possible group, along with England, Italy and Uruguay. Everyone expected them to finish at the bottom without any wins. And then what happened? They won two of their matches, against Uruguay and Italy, and then held England to a goal-less draw. In the end Italy and England finished at the bottom of the group and were eliminated. So it will be risky to underestimate the prospects of Costa Rica. 

[3meek]

I didn't check the order of the games, but it often happens that for example, the favorite wins two games and the competitors draw, so he guarantees himself the first place ahead of schedule and in the last round the coach gives the main team a rest. So if in the last round Costa Rica plays with such an unmotivated Germany, then it may be able to draw or even win.

History tells us that Costa Rica is a team that is very much capable of creating upsets. Remember the 2014 World Cup? They were placed in the toughest possible group, along with England, Italy and Uruguay. Everyone expected them to finish at the bottom without any wins. And then what happened? They won two of their matches, against Uruguay and Italy, and then held England to a goal-less draw. In the end Italy and England finished at the bottom of the group and were eliminated. So it will be risky to underestimate the prospects of Costa Rica. 

Yes, Costa Rica won the hearts of many football fans back then... It was the same recently with Iceland in the European Cup... I think that in this World Cup too there will be a team that will be able to surprise everyone... I would like that team to be Serbia, Korea or the USA or Canada...