2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar - UEFA Qualifiers

[LUCKMCFLY]

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Well, we all know that the current situation in the world is very diverse, only those that can offer certain services are the ones that can provide well-being and be free from wars and prohibitions, although this World Cup in Qatar is going to be very full of many fundamentals, there are nations that still have problems, nothing more than the problem that exists in Europe with Gas, with everything that they have in RUSSIA from the problem with oil, the different prohibitions that exist, that all these political problems have reached the world, more have been announced things with probable drums to war, all this has somehow affected.
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All I want is to separate sports from politics and equal treatment for all. I understand why Russia was suspended from FIFA and IOC. What I don't understand is their failure to do the same to Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

This has been always about money and money has always decided everything, but only if it is someone's "good" money, or to put it even more simply, if in Washington someone approves or at least does not disapprove your moves, then you can do whatever you want. Double standards are a disgusting topic, but Qatar is just a student, nothing more. he didn't come up with these rules, but Qatar just learned how to use them competently.

If the US president had some balls, this would never happen in the first place. Just a few hours back, the OPEC announced another massive reduction in the daily oil production quota, as they want to push the prices to $120-130 per barrel. This is despite Biden going to Saudi Arabia to beg in front of Prince Salman. The Americans are queueing in front of Saudi Arabia and Qatar with a begging bowl. Criticizing these countries for their human rights record is out of question.

What you say is very true, but we must remember that this is a world where those who have the most power are those who manage things at another level, obviously these countries have a lot of power and apart from power they have a lot of money, and with money anything is possible, in fact this will be a world cup where QATAR has a lot to offer and things that for some people are new, it will also be full of many technological advances and that can make a difference, I personally do not agree that a problem of this geopolitics is reflected in sports, because no athlete is to blame for what their rulers decide, and they are the ones who end up paying, so it does not seem fair to me, if there should be zero politics, it is in sports, and unfortunately that is not It is possible, also because it interferes with the plans of business models that are already established.

~snip~
I'm not completely sure, but as far as I know, at least in recent history, it has never happened that the host of the World Cup did not pass the group and not advance to the knockout stage of the competition.
However, due to the quality of their team, Qatar does not deserve to play in this World Cup and I believe that they have a minimal chance to pass the group and reach the knockout stage of the competition.
If they aren't the hosts, we certainly wouldn't be watching them at this world championship, just as we haven't seen them at previous world championships either.

Yeah, it's a huge advantage to host the world cup. But the thing is that the previous world cups have been usually held in countries in which they have a strong team to begin with, such as Brazil, Spain, Germany, England, Uruguay, and so on.

This is probably the first time that it's going to be held in a relatively weaker country. Maybe Korea-Japan 2002 could be comparable up to a point, and even then they managed to go past the first stage, which has been their all time best performance for both Korea and Japan.

We'll have to see if the boost for playing local is enough for Qatar.

I wouldn't really compare South Korea and Japan with Qatar, because Korea and Japan have a much longer football tradition, they have invested much more in football, and they have a much larger population and a much larger football base.
Just look at their results in the last world cups, Korea and Japan often make it to the knockout stages of world cups and achieving great results.
Ok, it seems that Qatar is currently achieving good results in friendly matches, but does anyone seriously think that they would have qualified for this World Cup if they did not have the direct right to participate as hosts?

No, of course. No one holding that illusion. Before, Qatar isn't on the same level as some of the MENA teams in the region. If not for the host right, they wouldn't even pass against other strong teams like Iran, Iraq and Saudi Arabia. Qatar recently got good only because of the massive preparation for this World Cup. They got a lot of new players under their national team, buying and transferring left and right just for the stake to put up a good face as a host. I'm damn sure after this World Cup is over, Qatar will fall back to its place, behind stronger teams in MENA. Money can only buy them some temporary victories before and a bit after this World Cup.

I will also jump the bandwagon of people saying NO, and if I could swap them for another team then I would have gladly use it to bring back Italy. Furthermore do you’ll think that it’ll be a nice opportunity to make some quick bucks while wagering against them, and even though I’m expecting super low odds I yet feel that we can earn some good bucks on their matches if we get lucky.

Well, you are not the only person who would like Italy to be in the World Cup. In fact, when Chile made the claim to remove Ecuadra from the World Cup and classify them, the ones that were going to have the least in mind to classify them were the Chileans, the ones that mostly had good options to enter in that case, for points and classification it was Italy, but nevertheless, when we think that it is a quota for a South American team, seeing that there are so many changes in FIFA that they have made, it would not be Too bad they made that kind of decision, because now FIFA has a lot of freedom to do what is best for them.

Before, Qatar isn't on the same level as some of the MENA teams in the region. If not for the host right, they wouldn't even pass against other strong teams like Iran, Iraq and Saudi Arabia. Qatar recently got good only because of the massive preparation for this World Cup. They got a lot of new players under their national team, buying and transferring left and right just for the stake to put up a good face as a host. I'm damn sure after this World Cup is over, Qatar will fall back to its place, behind stronger teams in MENA. Money can only buy them some temporary victories before and a bit after this World Cup.

Here I agree about this all Qatar is surely having good quality, and they are participating in this world cup just because of host but keep one thing remember right now they are spending good amount on their domestic set up, and they have services of many world-class coaches and players which is surely improving quality and having good soccer structure which is going to help them in future for having better quality and skilled players which are going to help them for having better results.

Few weeks back there was an offer for Ronaldo to join Qatar club surely this was one of the biggest offer, but he refused, and another big point Xavi was also coach in Qatar club before joining Barcelona, so they are hiring top quality players and coaches for better development, and they have enough money for doing things like these which is surely a big positive point for them soccer in Qatar even after this world cup.

Well eventually this is a good opportunity for Qatar to have a great growth as a team, if I knew about CR7, but it was obvious that he was going to reject him, for me there are other things that can happen, the World Cup could be used as a springboard to that they can have a better league and a better national team, at the moment Qatar can have an accelerated growth in its players, but of course it cannot be compared with the level of Brazil or a team like Argentina, Portugal, however all the players must integrate very well, so that at the time of the debut and their games they have an acceptable performance.

[joker_josue]

Yesterday Portugal had bad news, there will be a drop in weight for the attack.
Liverpool forward Diogo Jota is injured and will not participate in the World Cup.

Will we have more news of the genre in the coming weeks?

[rahmad2nd]

Maybe, because in other countries' squads, it was also reported that some of their players were injured. but if Diego Jota is absent, of course, a big loss for the Portugal squad later in the Qatar world cup.

although there are still other names such as, Joao Felix, Andre Silva, Ricardo Horta and even Rafael Leao can be placed in Diego Jota's position. even so, it looks like if Jota is absent it is a loss for Fernando Santos. he must look for other options as his replacement, plus currently the Portugal squad is not at its best.

there are many problems in the Portugal squad at the moment, one of their star icons is experiencing a decline in performance.  Until now, Cristiano Ronaldo has not shown any signs of returning to his former form. this is a problem for Portugal, how Fernando Santos handles it.
let's look forward to the show after this world cup is held.

[joker_josue]

although there are still other names such as, Joao Felix, Andre Silva, Ricardo Horta and even Rafael Leao can be placed in Diego Jota's position. even so, it looks like if Jota is absent it is a loss for Fernando Santos. he must look for other options as his replacement, plus currently the Portugal squad is not at its best.

Portugal even has players for that position, such as Gonçalo Ramos. That he is having an excellent season at Benfica, with several goals scored. The doubt is whether Fernando Santos will have the courage to call him and put him to play. I believe he will even be called up, but whether he will be a starter I don't know.

[Zaguru12]

I'm not completely sure, but as far as I know, at least in recent history, it has never happened that the host of the World Cup did not pass the group and not advance to the knockout stage of the competition.
However, due to the quality of their team, Qatar does not deserve to play in this World Cup and I believe that they have a minimal chance to pass the group and reach the knockout stage of the competition.
If they aren't the hosts, we certainly wouldn't be watching them at this world championship, just as we haven't seen them at previous world championships either.

I might be wrong but South Africa is the only world Cup host country that didn't make it pass the group stage. According to stats Qatar might be joining them on that list but there recent performance is making me have faith in them

although there are still other names such as, Joao Felix, Andre Silva, Ricardo Horta and even Rafael Leao can be placed in Diego Jota's position. even so, it looks like if Jota is absent it is a loss for Fernando Santos. he must look for other options as his replacement, plus currently the Portugal squad is not at its best.

Although Jota is an excellent player but considering the number of exciting young stars in that Portugal squad, Jota shouldn't be missed that much the likes of Rafeal Leao and Joao Felix would cherish that opportunity.
And if the coach doesn't trust the younger stars he could just drift Bruno fernandez or Bernando Solva to the wing and play either Renato Sanchez or Ruben nevez Into the midfield. So yeah there many options to pick from.

[Daniel91]

~snip~
I'm not completely sure, but as far as I know, at least in recent history, it has never happened that the host of the World Cup did not pass the group and not advance to the knockout stage of the competition.
However, due to the quality of their team, Qatar does not deserve to play in this World Cup and I believe that they have a minimal chance to pass the group and reach the knockout stage of the competition.
If they aren't the hosts, we certainly wouldn't be watching them at this world championship, just as we haven't seen them at previous world championships either.

Yeah, it's a huge advantage to host the world cup. But the thing is that the previous world cups have been usually held in countries in which they have a strong team to begin with, such as Brazil, Spain, Germany, England, Uruguay, and so on.

This is probably the first time that it's going to be held in a relatively weaker country. Maybe Korea-Japan 2002 could be comparable up to a point, and even then they managed to go past the first stage, which has been their all time best performance for both Korea and Japan.

We'll have to see if the boost for playing local is enough for Qatar.

I wouldn't really compare South Korea and Japan with Qatar, because Korea and Japan have a much longer football tradition, they have invested much more in football, and they have a much larger population and a much larger football base.
Just look at their results in the last world cups, Korea and Japan often make it to the knockout stages of world cups and achieving great results.
Ok, it seems that Qatar is currently achieving good results in friendly matches, but does anyone seriously think that they would have qualified for this World Cup if they did not have the direct right to participate as hosts?

No, of course. No one holding that illusion. Before, Qatar isn't on the same level as some of the MENA teams in the region. If not for the host right, they wouldn't even pass against other strong teams like Iran, Iraq and Saudi Arabia. Qatar recently got good only because of the massive preparation for this World Cup. They got a lot of new players under their national team, buying and transferring left and right just for the stake to put up a good face as a host. I'm damn sure after this World Cup is over, Qatar will fall back to its place, behind stronger teams in MENA. Money can only buy them some temporary victories before and a bit after this World Cup.

I will also jump the bandwagon of people saying NO, and if I could swap them for another team then I would have gladly use it to bring back Italy. Furthermore do you’ll think that it’ll be a nice opportunity to make some quick bucks while wagering against them, and even though I’m expecting super low odds I yet feel that we can earn some good bucks on their matches if we get lucky.

I'm also sorry that Italy didn't qualify for the World Cup again. It+s really a tragedy that we will not see such a great team, the current champion of Europe, at the World Cup, and on the other hand, Qatar will play at the World Cup thanks to the fact that they are the hosts of the championship.
On the other hand, Qatar will certainly be a very interesting betting option at this world championship  
I'm really interested in what will happen next with the Qatar team, in the next competitions after this world cup and how successful they will be in terms of results.

[BALIK]

Maybe, because in other countries' squads, it was also reported that some of their players were injured. but if Diego Jota is absent, of course, a big loss for the Portugal squad later in the Qatar world cup.
although there are still other names such as, Joao Felix, Andre Silva, Ricardo Horta and even Rafael Leao can be placed in Diego Jota's position. even so, it looks like if Jota is absent it is a loss for Fernando Santos. he must look for other options as his replacement, plus currently the Portugal squad is not at its best.

there are many problems in the Portugal squad at the moment, one of their star icons is experiencing a decline in performance.  Until now, Cristiano Ronaldo has not shown any signs of returning to his former form. this is a problem for Portugal, how Fernando Santos handles it.
let's look forward to the show after this world cup is held.

I am sure that this news is going to come as a big blow to the Portuguese fans. There is no denying that Ronaldo is currently out of form, and this is understandable considering he is getting older. However, Jota would have been an important player for them in this World cup and moreover, he is playing quite well in Liverpool jersey in recent times.

I agree with you that they do have Felix and Horta on their team, but I think Jota is far better than them and has a better grasp of the game than either of them. I believe that CR7 in the middle and Jota on the left would have been a perfect combination, but I am not sure whether we will be able to see that combination in action.

[bitpotter]

Now the team Qatar was strong enough against the many team.So the two team jointly can win the games against Qatar and weak them so.The best combo for the Qatar will be Netherlands and Senegal.The betting on Qatar May lose your bet money.Instead bet on the Team like Dutch and Senegal.This two team was strong enough to win the Qatar.Qatar should need to improve his game,before they had a match against the Dutch.The coach of Qatar had huge responsibility over a team to win against the Dutch.

Qatar is only the host of the 2022 world cup and they benefit from playing at home and having to play the Netherlands, Senegal and Ecuador will certainly be difficult to get through. In each of these countries there are star players like Sadio Mane, Memphis Depay, and many more. So I think if Qatar can win it's only because of luck.

[sana54210]

I am sure that this news is going to come as a big blow to the Portuguese fans. There is no denying that Ronaldo is currently out of form, and this is understandable considering he is getting older. However, Jota would have been an important player for them in this World cup and moreover, he is playing quite well in Liverpool jersey in recent times.

I agree with you that they do have Felix and Horta on their team, but I think Jota is far better than them and has a better grasp of the game than either of them. I believe that CR7 in the middle and Jota on the left would have been a perfect combination, but I am not sure whether we will be able to see that combination in action.

Is he though? I mean are we sure that he is not in form and he is not good anymore? I feel like he is still a great player, still should be playing instead of Rashford, not like United replaced him with some real young star, he is replaced by Rashford and even at times by Martial, that feels personal to me.

He didn't participate in the training during the summer, because he wanted to leave and he wanted to join his new club instead, and that is why he is being punished right now, dude is still 10x better than Rashford and Martial, but not getting as many minutes as them which feels personal. I believe he could still be great asset to Portugal during this world cup for sure.

[nullama]

~snip~
Qatar is only the host of the 2022 world cup and they benefit from playing at home and having to play the Netherlands, Senegal and Ecuador will certainly be difficult to get through. In each of these countries there are star players like Sadio Mane, Memphis Depay, and many more. So I think if Qatar can win it's only because of luck.

If Qatar doesn't go to the next stage it would be the first time in history that such event happens.

I think it's quite possible though... we'll have to wait and see.

[Bobrox]

Qatar is only the host of the 2022 world cup and they benefit from playing at home and having to play the Netherlands, Senegal and Ecuador will certainly be difficult to get through. In each of these countries there are star players like Sadio Mane, Memphis Depay, and many more. So I think if Qatar can win it's only because of luck.

Qatar are in A group that can be said to be difficult for their level, in group A there are Senegal, Ecuador and also the Netherlands. Possible Senegal and Netherlands are favorites to qualify in Group A. However, the host factor can be one of the advantages for Qatar, with the presence of supporters being an additional motivation for every Qatar match in the group phase. Qatar may have a chance to qualify in the group stage, but victory in the first match is quite important against Ecuador. Have advantage for Qatar facing Ecuador at first games because not favorite national team than have to face with Netherland or Senegal.

[bitpotter]

Qatar is only the host of the 2022 world cup and they benefit from playing at home and having to play the Netherlands, Senegal and Ecuador will certainly be difficult to get through. In each of these countries there are star players like Sadio Mane, Memphis Depay, and many more. So I think if Qatar can win it's only because of luck.

Qatar are in A group that can be said to be difficult for their level, in group A there are Senegal, Ecuador and also the Netherlands. Possible Senegal and Netherlands are favorites to qualify in Group A. However, the host factor can be one of the advantages for Qatar, with the presence of supporters being an additional motivation for every Qatar match in the group phase. Qatar may have a chance to qualify in the group stage, but victory in the first match is quite important against Ecuador. Have advantage for Qatar facing Ecuador at first games because not favorite national team than have to face with Netherland or Senegal.

Therefore, the support of the fans must be put to good use. Qatar should not underestimate Ecuador's opponents in this competition, we know that Uruguay is a part of the South American continent, of course they are usually very strong in terms of physical and stamina. I'm really looking forward to this match, there will definitely be a lot of surprises.

[cryptofrka]

If Qatar doesn't go to the next stage it would be the first time in history that such event happens.

I think it's quite possible though... we'll have to wait and see.

Not really, South Africa failed to qualify to the knockout round in 2010. They finished 3rd, on equal points with Mexico who progressed due to a better goal difference.
South Africa did overperform though, they collected 4 points in a really difficult group and finished above France, who they also won against.

This time, I feel that the host team will be totally humiliated. Qatar is simply a horrible team.

[blue_hurricanger]

~snip~
Qatar is only the host of the 2022 world cup and they benefit from playing at home and having to play the Netherlands, Senegal and Ecuador will certainly be difficult to get through. In each of these countries there are star players like Sadio Mane, Memphis Depay, and many more. So I think if Qatar can win it's only because of luck.

If Qatar doesn't go to the next stage it would be the first time in history that such event happens.

I think it's quite possible though... we'll have to wait and see.

They'll be going to the next stage or at least pass the group stage in the World Cup, don't worry. Tho I shit talk about them a lot, they got a really good national team for this time, temporary for World Cup or not. Other teams like Netherlands, Senegal and Ecuador don't seem very challenging. Especially Senegal and Ecuador's players can be easily 'bought' if you know what I mean. Hey, if they pay for FIFA to get the World Cup right, might as well pay to get a good result both legitimate and underhand.

[Crypto_I.N]

Maybe, because in other countries' squads, it was also reported that some of their players were injured. but if Diego Jota is absent, of course, a big loss for the Portugal squad later in the Qatar world cup.
although there are still other names such as, Joao Felix, Andre Silva, Ricardo Horta and even Rafael Leao can be placed in Diego Jota's position. even so, it looks like if Jota is absent it is a loss for Fernando Santos. he must look for other options as his replacement, plus currently the Portugal squad is not at its best.

there are many problems in the Portugal squad at the moment, one of their star icons is experiencing a decline in performance.  Until now, Cristiano Ronaldo has not shown any signs of returning to his former form. this is a problem for Portugal, how Fernando Santos handles it.
let's look forward to the show after this world cup is held.

I am sure that this news is going to come as a big blow to the Portuguese fans. There is no denying that Ronaldo is currently out of form, and this is understandable considering he is getting older. However, Jota would have been an important player for them in this World cup and moreover, he is playing quite well in Liverpool jersey in recent times.

I agree with you that they do have Felix and Horta on their team, but I think Jota is far better than them and has a better grasp of the game than either of them. I believe that CR7 in the middle and Jota on the left would have been a perfect combination, but I am not sure whether we will be able to see that combination in action.

actually it's hard for Portugal to qualify in this group stage because Ghana, Uruguay and South Korea also don't want to lose, especially South Korea and Uruguay also want to make history this year, Portugal is actually tough to qualify for this group stage because they look at the Portuguese players' point of view. again need the spirit of this adversity

[joker_josue]

actually it's hard for Portugal to qualify in this group stage because Ghana, Uruguay and South Korea also don't want to lose, especially South Korea and Uruguay also want to make history this year, Portugal is actually tough to qualify for this group stage because they look at the Portuguese players' point of view. again need the spirit of this adversity

The problem is not the quality of Portugal's players. Portugal has a lot of high quality players, I play for the best clubs in Europe. The question is how the technical team has used these players, which unfortunately is not in the best way. At the moment Portugal's coach, Fernando Santos, is very contested, because of the choices he makes that clearly don't show the best that Portugal is capable of.

[LUCKMCFLY]

Something I heard somewhere on TV this week, but I haven't thought about it yet, is that many players are of course doing everything they can to make it to the World Cup. That also means not trying to get injured and therefore possibly taking it easy in the competition. You sometimes see players consciously putting in less effort and yet not going all the way. Understandable in a way, but you're duping your team that way. The last thing you want is to get injured. just look at Wijnaldum at AS Roma, who was injured in the first training and can forget the World Cup. Is there any real possibility that Paul Pogba has recovered in time to compete in the World Cup with France?

That is always the fear that many players have, but what can they do? they have to do their job at their clubs, I don't know about Pogba, but I'm sure he'll be fine for the World Cup, now the one I don't want him to get injured is CR7 just because of the bad times he's going through, I'm sure when he arrives At the World Cup things will change for the better for him, so that would be a lesson that he will give to all the clubs in the world that have rejected him, I really would like that to happen, now if Portugal wins the World Cup, the slap will be exuberant and I think that would be a total humiliation, especially for the current manager of Man United.

Yesterday Portugal had bad news, there will be a drop in weight for the attack.
Liverpool forward Diogo Jota is injured and will not participate in the World Cup.

Will we have more news of the genre in the coming weeks?

You are absolutely right, this is very bad for Portugal, for me CR7 has much more to give, but I don't see it either, it is a great challenge for CR7, for me CR7 is the fundamental piece for everything, now well, I know that CR7 cannot do everything, in fact I think it could be the case that this team is giving everything so that the scorer for Portugal and probably for the World Cup is CR7 and it seems to me that it is a fair deal because all the Portuguese players would be benefiting, that is something that has to be seen from that perspective and that the way to have one more incentive for the players is born, the fact is that a striker is already needed.

although there are still other names such as, Joao Felix, Andre Silva, Ricardo Horta and even Rafael Leao can be placed in Diego Jota's position. even so, it looks like if Jota is absent it is a loss for Fernando Santos. he must look for other options as his replacement, plus currently the Portugal squad is not at its best.

Portugal even has players for that position, such as Gonçalo Ramos. That he is having an excellent season at Benfica, with several goals scored. The doubt is whether Fernando Santos will have the courage to call him and put him to play. I believe he will even be called up, but whether he will be a starter I don't know.

Well, following Gonçalo Ramos' trajectory, I don't see it as bad, he's a very good option, it's also understandable that he will be a teammate for CR7 and CR7 will give him a lot of advice, just as he gives it to Anthony at Man United, I think all of this is part of the great challenge that CR7 has, it's all very controversial, really at this time is when the players should take care of themselves the most, despite the fact that Ten Hag has been so inconsequential with CR7 sometimes I see that he does him a favor by not putting him in the game, because it could possibly be saving him from a serious injury, sometimes the bad has to be seen as the good, I think that's the biggest lesson for CR7.

I find this article excellent, and what fans are capable of giving joy:


World Cup 2022: Wales fans' joy and fears ahead of Qatar

Not all fans have been put off by the host nation. Thousands are still expected to make their way to watch Wales.

"Four weeks and we're off. We can't believe it," said Sharon Parker from Merthyr Tydfil.

She has followed Wales for 30 years and was in France to see the national team exceed all expectations at the Euros in 2016 when they reached the semi-finals.

Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-63315676

[bullrun2024bro]

Qatar is only the host of the 2022 world cup and they benefit from playing at home and having to play the Netherlands, Senegal and Ecuador will certainly be difficult to get through. In each of these countries there are star players like Sadio Mane, Memphis Depay, and many more. So I think if Qatar can win it's only because of luck.

Tbh, I see it that way, too. Qatar is the clear underdog in its group against Netherlands, Senegal and Ecuador.

Of course, in the past years a lot of money was invested in infrastructure and training to improve the team. Whether it helps in the end to prevail against heavyweights like Netherlands remains to be seen. I suspect rather no.

Furthermore, I think it will not be easy to meet the high demands of the rulers in Qatar. Anyway there is a good reason to be excited. The host country is always good for a surprise. That's why I wouldn't write off Qatar quite yet.

[Boristhecat]

The Netherlands is an obvious favorite for the first place, and in my opinion Senegal is the favorite for the second place - this is a strong team, but Ecuador, although on paper it is weaker, has already presented surprises at the World Cups and they even managed to reach the 1/8 finals. Therefore, Ecuador cannot be discounted. The problem is that I don't know anything about the Qatar national team, and judging by the posts on the forum, not many people know, haha. Maybe they have already taken naturalized Brazilians and other professionals to the national team who, for a lot of money (which there is in Qatar), agreed to change their citizenship.

This group has been talked about a lot, and netherlands+senegal duo is just way too good to lose to a team like Qatar, and that’s not going to change. We will have to watch and see of course, that doesn't mean it's guaranteed, but if anyone ever wants to wager on these games, do you really think that it wouldn't be a huge risk to bet on Qatar to win? They are going to lose and Senegal and the Dutch will go up.

However, that won't even matter in the end, because I believe they will lose too, we already know the favourites of the tournament, which means that neither Netherlands nor Senegal would be able to go too much further ahead after they leave the groups.

I don't think that the Netherlands are so weak that they don't have a chance at all for the title. This is a short tournament and the result will be somewhat random. And in any case, it is better to lose in the final or semi-final than in the 1/8. Therefore, the Netherlands will be as motivated as possible. By the way, surprisingly, underdogs almost never become world champions, unlike the European Championship, where, for example, Greece, unexpectedly for everyone, became the champion, although the average strength of teams is higher at the European Championship than at the World Cup.

[BALIK]

-snip

Is he though? I mean are we sure that he is not in form and he is not good anymore? I feel like he is still a great player, still should be playing instead of Rashford, not like United replaced him with some real young star, he is replaced by Rashford and even at times by Martial, that feels personal to me.
He didn't participate in the training during the summer, because he wanted to leave and he wanted to join his new club instead, and that is why he is being punished right now, dude is still 10x better than Rashford and Martial, but not getting as many minutes as them which feels personal. I believe he could still be great asset to Portugal during this world cup for sure.

Yes, you are right. He is far better than players like Rashford or Martial. I know that he is not having that great of a time. However, we all know there are a lot of players who perform really well with their international team compared to their clubs. And I just hope he turns out to be one of those for Portugal if he is able to play. Another thing is that I think he will benefit a lot from playing alongside Ronaldo. I think Ronaldo inspired a lot of players on and off the pitch and he could really use that to his advantage. Now, all we gotta do is wait for the announcement about whether he will be participating in the WC or not.