2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar - UEFA Qualifiers

[Daniel91]

The only thing this team might be missing compared to the 2018 World Cup squad is a killer striker like Mandjukic.

We have been missing that for 4 years, and our coach has not been able to find a replacement for him - because Kramaric is overrated and plays very poorly for the national team, and Petkovic plays 1 good game out of 10. The only one who has something in his game is Livaja, but honestly, all three together do not have the quality that Mandjukic had.

For the most of time Mandžukić played for Croatia public opinion of him wasn't that high and we were crying for striker like Šuker, it is national team you play with what you have. I think Petković will actually do good on World Cup but I am not sure he deserves to go there. He always seemed like a player that picks his games for me and on the biggest stage like World Cup he shouldn't have problems with motivation.

We still have world class midfield, thanks to Modrić and we have better defense than we had in years. These young guys lead by Gvardiol could become one of the best defenses in the world in years to come.

I agree with you, we started appreciating Mandjukic only when he stopped playing for the national team.
At the moment, the Croatian national team is a very well-rounded team and we really only need a killer striker so that we can say that everything is perfect and that we are ready for the greatest achievements.
Kramaric is very good in the German league, but he doesn't play as well in the national team, I don't know why.
Petkovic obviously has mental problems or problems with himself and there is no help for that.
Livaja scored several important goals for the national team, but is he ready to become the main striker of this national team? Or Pasalic? I'm not sure. A very difficult task for a coach.

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[Juggy777]

Advancing to the knockout stage should be easy for Croatia. They may still end up as no.2 in the Group F, given Belgium is likely to top that group (I won't rule out an upset though). In the next round, they are more likely to phase the winners from Group E. This is where it gets complicated. At this stage, their opponents will be either Spain or Germany. Although these two teams are not in very good form, I would consider them as having the upper hand against Croatia. So getting past the PQF round will be quite tough for Croatia.

I agree that Croatia shouldn't have problem advancing to the knockout stage. But I don't agree that Spain or Germany would be tough for Croatia to beat and advance to the quarterfinals. They are good teams but in the League of Nations Croatia has shown that they can win against any nation.

Argentina and Brazil are the biggest favorites in this year's World Cup. Both teams are very strong. Many of the players from both the teams have been playing in different good clubs, due to which they are performing well. Hopefully Argentina and Brazil will meet again at the World Cup, with the whole world divided into two halves to enjoy the game.

@Sithara007 I don’t believe that Belgium are guaranteed to top the group, because when it really matter’s they tend to choke and thus I feel that Croatia can top the group ahead of them. Furthermore even if they end up second I yet would favour them to win against Spain or Germany, because I personally feel that they’ll play better football then those two team’s and stun their opponent’s with their winning mentality.

[Sithara007]

@Sithara007 I don’t believe that Belgium are guaranteed to top the group, because when it really matter’s they tend to choke and thus I feel that Croatia can top the group ahead of them. Furthermore even if they end up second I yet would favour them to win against Spain or Germany, because I personally feel that they’ll play better football then those two team’s and stun their opponent’s with their winning mentality.

Actually I agree with you. There are two factors. First of all, Belgium is overdependent on Romelu Lukaku. There are quality players such as Eden Hazard, Jan Vertonghen and Kevin De Bruyne in the squad, but I have noticed that when Lukaku is not in the squad, or when he is not in form, the probability of a Belgian win goes down considerably. And secondly, Belgium is not in good form as far as recent matches are considered. In the recently concluded UEFA Nations League A, they failed to qualify to the knockout stage.

[Daniel91]

Advancing to the knockout stage should be easy for Croatia. They may still end up as no.2 in the Group F, given Belgium is likely to top that group (I won't rule out an upset though). In the next round, they are more likely to phase the winners from Group E. This is where it gets complicated. At this stage, their opponents will be either Spain or Germany. Although these two teams are not in very good form, I would consider them as having the upper hand against Croatia. So getting past the PQF round will be quite tough for Croatia.

I agree that Croatia shouldn't have problem advancing to the knockout stage. But I don't agree that Spain or Germany would be tough for Croatia to beat and advance to the quarterfinals. They are good teams but in the League of Nations Croatia has shown that they can win against any nation.

Argentina and Brazil are the biggest favorites in this year's World Cup. Both teams are very strong. Many of the players from both the teams have been playing in different good clubs, due to which they are performing well. Hopefully Argentina and Brazil will meet again at the World Cup, with the whole world divided into two halves to enjoy the game.

@Sithara007 I don’t believe that Belgium are guaranteed to top the group, because when it really matter’s they tend to choke and thus I feel that Croatia can top the group ahead of them. Furthermore even if they end up second I yet would favour them to win against Spain or Germany, because I personally feel that they’ll play better football then those two team’s and stun their opponent’s with their winning mentality.

I agree with you. Croatia is a very strong and serious team, which recently won against both France and Denmark in the League of Nations and showed that it will play a very serious role at the World Cup.
The match between Croatia and Belgium in the group will probably decide the first place in the group.
Belgium is an old team and has problems with injuries to key players.
Lukaku is currently injured and is not playing, Meunier has undergone surgery and it is questionable whether he will be ready for the World Cup and Saelemaekers performance is also questionable.
For Croatia, only Vida is questionable among the main players.

[virasog]

I think that the World Cup 2018 in Russia was the peak of that generation. We will see how this young players will play this year but a lot of them have many more years to play. Croatia probably won't repeat that result from four years ago bur I'm sure they will do good. We saw that in the League of Nations. The biggest question is who will be Modrić's successor to become the captain and lead the team after Qatar.

France won the 2018 world cup in Russia and probably it was the last time Russia held the world cup. I am saying this because, after the current war between Ukraine and Russia, FIFA may probably never let Russia host the world cup again. This is my feeling for now and things may change in the future, we never know. But as of now, FIFA has also banned Russia so it's hard to think that even if they unban Russian football, they may never allow the world cup to be played there.

[slackovic]

France won the 2018 world cup in Russia and probably it was the last time Russia held the world cup. I am saying this because, after the current war between Ukraine and Russia, FIFA may probably never let Russia host the world cup again. This is my feeling for now and things may change in the future, we never know. But as of now, FIFA has also banned Russia so it's hard to think that even if they unban Russian football, they may never allow the world cup to be played there.

I said numerous times that I don't agree with banning Russian players to compete in international competitions but I agree that many years and even decades will pass until Russia will be hosting another competition like World Cup or Olympic games. Hosting an international competition is by far more political business than Russian players playing in the international competitions.

[Pokapoka124]

France won the 2018 world cup in Russia and probably it was the last time Russia held the world cup. I am saying this because, after the current war between Ukraine and Russia, FIFA may probably never let Russia host the world cup again. This is my feeling for now and things may change in the future, we never know. But as of now, FIFA has also banned Russia so it's hard to think that even if they unban Russian football, they may never allow the world cup to be played there.

I said numerous times that I don't agree with banning Russian players to compete in international competitions but I agree that many years and even decades will pass until Russia will be hosting another competition like World Cup or Olympic games. Hosting an international competition is by far more political business than Russian players playing in the international competitions.

I think it wouldn't be unfair to ban Russian players from competing in international competitions. It will take a long while for Russia to host any international competitions because of the sanctions on the country as a whole. In my opinion Russian players should be allowed to participate in the world cup and Olympic games. I hope the world can come to realize that sports unites us despite our differences.

[sana54210]

I think that the World Cup 2018 in Russia was the peak of that generation. We will see how this young players will play this year but a lot of them have many more years to play. Croatia probably won't repeat that result from four years ago bur I'm sure they will do good. We saw that in the League of Nations. The biggest question is who will be Modrić's successor to become the captain and lead the team after Qatar.

France won the 2018 world cup in Russia and probably it was the last time Russia held the world cup. I am saying this because, after the current war between Ukraine and Russia, FIFA may probably never let Russia host the world cup again. This is my feeling for now and things may change in the future, we never know. But as of now, FIFA has also banned Russia so it's hard to think that even if they unban Russian football, they may never allow the world cup to be played there.

Host it? I am not entirely sure if Fifa will ever let Russia to join as Russia ever again. They wouldn't want to anger all of the Russians, but they will not allow even the name and not give it back until they figure things out. That way Russians could join as some other name instead of Russia, like maybe Russian sports people organization etc etc, type of weird naming stuff.

This is the level we are taking it, and somehow Qatar is allowed to host and use slave labour and have thousands of people dead just to build these stadiums. How is that better? How are we fine with middle east blood money just because they bow to west rulers, that should be at least banned as much too, they are horrible too.

[slackovic]

Host it? I am not entirely sure if Fifa will ever let Russia to join as Russia ever again. They wouldn't want to anger all of the Russians, but they will not allow even the name and not give it back until they figure things out. That way Russians could join as some other name instead of Russia, like maybe Russian sports people organization etc etc, type of weird naming stuff.

This is the level we are taking it, and somehow Qatar is allowed to host and use slave labour and have thousands of people dead just to build these stadiums. How is that better? How are we fine with middle east blood money just because they bow to west rulers, that should be at least banned as much too, they are horrible too.

If we go that far, it's not the case only with Qatar. There are numerous wars going on in the world right now, but somehow only Russia is banned and sanctioned. It feels like Russia-Ukraine war is "commercialized" to the level that people are not even aware that there are other wars in the world. Just take a look at this map. It shows every war that is going on in 2022.

[famososMuertos]

France won the 2018 world cup in Russia and probably it was the last time Russia held the world cup. I am saying this because, after the current war between Ukraine and Russia, FIFA may probably never let Russia host the world cup again. This is my feeling for now and things may change in the future, we never know. But as of now, FIFA has also banned Russia so it's hard to think that even if they unban Russian football, they may never allow the world cup to be played there.

I said numerous times that I don't agree with banning Russian players to compete in international competitions but I agree that many years and even decades will pass until Russia will be hosting another competition like World Cup or Olympic games. Hosting an international competition is by far more political business than Russian players playing in the international competitions.

I think it wouldn't be unfair to ban Russian players from competing in international competitions. It will take a long while for Russia to host any international competitions because of the sanctions on the country as a whole. In my opinion Russian players should be allowed to participate in the world cup and Olympic games. I hope the world can come to realize that sports unites us despite our differences.

Really! It has already organized the 3 most important events on the planet and recently, despite what happened at year 2014, it was shamelessly allowed to host the World Cup and Winter Olympics.

Political leaders are the ones who should be sanctioned, not athletes, but before 2050 they will surely be organizing another important event, it has already happened and history will repeat itself.

Moscow 1980: Summer Games. (as *Soviet Union)
Sochi 2014: *Winter Games.
Russia 2018: *FIFA World Cup

* I leave you the sources.

[STT]

If we go that far, it's not the case only with Qatar. There are numerous wars going on in the world right now, but somehow only Russia is banned and sanctioned. It feels like Russia-Ukraine war is "commercialized" to the level that people are not even aware that there are other wars in the world. Just take a look at this map. It shows every war that is going on in 2022.

Not to get too political but its very simply put, Russia is not just another country its a member of the UN security council they are deliberately undermining the livelihood of a large section of the world.  They invaded and killed families continually daily for most of this year additionally with threats to most of Europe and the wider world via famine; theres no way its appropriate for them to take part in anything beyond peace talks.
  The first priority is cease violence and aggression against civilians before you proceed with a game the two tasks are not close to the same magnitude its not close to a reasonable proposition.

  For their own sake the Russian team themselves they cannot be put forward like that, can you imagine the hostility that would be apparent with the news in the background of bombing campaigns.

Even by your own map, can you see how gigantic Russia its not an obscure point, they are are unique burden to most of the world currently.   Nobody is benefitting or happy with a team barred but thats the smallest consideration.

[W Jr.]

France won the 2018 world cup in Russia and probably it was the last time Russia held the world cup. I am saying this because, after the current war between Ukraine and Russia, FIFA may probably never let Russia host the world cup again. This is my feeling for now and things may change in the future, we never know. But as of now, FIFA has also banned Russia so it's hard to think that even if they unban Russian football, they may never allow the world cup to be played there.

I said numerous times that I don't agree with banning Russian players to compete in international competitions but I agree that many years and even decades will pass until Russia will be hosting another competition like World Cup or Olympic games. Hosting an international competition is by far more political business than Russian players playing in the international competitions.

It certainly is. Security is a very important factor for countries hosting major tournaments. After security comes politics. Since Russia's war with Ukraine, it has been receiving great reactions from the world. They probably won't be able to host a big event like the World Cup for a long time.

[Daniel91]

France won the 2018 world cup in Russia and probably it was the last time Russia held the world cup. I am saying this because, after the current war between Ukraine and Russia, FIFA may probably never let Russia host the world cup again. This is my feeling for now and things may change in the future, we never know. But as of now, FIFA has also banned Russia so it's hard to think that even if they unban Russian football, they may never allow the world cup to be played there.

I said numerous times that I don't agree with banning Russian players to compete in international competitions but I agree that many years and even decades will pass until Russia will be hosting another competition like World Cup or Olympic games. Hosting an international competition is by far more political business than Russian players playing in the international competitions.

I think it wouldn't be unfair to ban Russian players from competing in international competitions. It will take a long while for Russia to host any international competitions because of the sanctions on the country as a whole. In my opinion Russian players should be allowed to participate in the world cup and Olympic games. I hope the world can come to realize that sports unites us despite our differences.

Really! It has already organized the 3 most important events on the planet and recently, despite what happened at year 2014, it was shamelessly allowed to host the World Cup and Winter Olympics.

Political leaders are the ones who should be sanctioned, not athletes, but before 2050 they will surely be organizing another important event, it has already happened and history will repeat itself.

Moscow 1980: Summer Games. (as *Soviet Union)
Sochi 2014: *Winter Games.
Russia 2018: *FIFA World Cup

* I leave you the sources.

Of course, daily politics is one thing and business is something completely different, even when it comes to football 
If you were to look at human rights and democracy, Qatar would never host the World Cup in football, but profit is always more important than human rights issues.
The former presidents of FIFA and UEFA, Blatter and Platini, were dismissed due to corruption, but nothing much has changed in these organizations.
Football has long since become just a business and many fans already understand that.
Of course, Russia will organize some big sports competition again soon, it's all just business after all 

[Patrol69]

2022 Qatar World Cup is not long before it starts. The Qatar World Cup starts on the 20th with the match between Qatar and Ecuador. Most of the teams that have qualified for this World Cup are very experienced and strong. However, in terms of strength, Brazil, Germany and Argentina will be the most ahead I think these three teams will be one of the contenders for the 2022 Qatar World Cup. Brazil may announce their World Cup squad on the 7th. November.  I hope that Brazil will surprise the football world in the World Cup squad. Since Messi is in great form for Argentina, this World Cup will be one of the best opportunities for Argentina. Because Messi has announced that he will not play this World Cup. It goes without saying that Argentina would not be very strong without Messi. the

[nullama]

2022 Qatar World Cup is not long before it starts. The Qatar World Cup starts on the 20th with the match between Qatar and Ecuador. Most of the teams that have qualified for this World Cup are very experienced and strong. However, in terms of strength, Brazil, Germany and Argentina will be the most ahead I think these three teams will be one of the contenders for the 2022 Qatar World Cup. Brazil may announce their World Cup squad on the 7th. November.  I hope that Brazil will surprise the football world in the World Cup squad. Since Messi is in great form for Argentina, this World Cup will be one of the best opportunities for Argentina. Because Messi has announced that he will not play this World Cup. It goes without saying that Argentina would not be very strong without Messi. the

Messi just had a small injury, but he is definitely playing in this world cup.

Leo Messi will remain in treatment for an inflamed Achilles tendon as a precautionary measure. He will resume training next week.

[joker_josue]

Messi just had a small injury, but he is definitely playing in this world cup.

Leo Messi will remain in treatment for an inflamed Achilles tendon as a precautionary measure. He will resume training next week.

We are just over 2 weeks away from the start of the World Cup, and the players going to Qatar will have to start managing their physical condition, so that injuries don't get in the way.
Probably Messi started training, but maybe he won't do 90 minutes again, in the next games, just in case.

[sovie]

France won the 2018 world cup in Russia and probably it was the last time Russia held the world cup. I am saying this because, after the current war between Ukraine and Russia, FIFA may probably never let Russia host the world cup again. This is my feeling for now and things may change in the future, we never know. But as of now, FIFA has also banned Russia so it's hard to think that even if they unban Russian football, they may never allow the world cup to be played there.

I said numerous times that I don't agree with banning Russian players to compete in international competitions but I agree that many years and even decades will pass until Russia will be hosting another competition like World Cup or Olympic games. Hosting an international competition is by far more political business than Russian players playing in the international competitions.

I wish the same kind of bans to be done on Israel and USA for killing so many innocent people in Syra - Afghanistan - Iraq - Pakistan and so on an so forth
But no such ban has been done. Only Russia is suffering . . May the peace prevail

[lixer]

2022 Qatar World Cup is not long before it starts. The Qatar World Cup starts on the 20th with the match between Qatar and Ecuador. Most of the teams that have qualified for this World Cup are very experienced and strong. However, in terms of strength, Brazil, Germany and Argentina will be the most ahead I think these three teams will be one of the contenders for the 2022 Qatar World Cup. Brazil may announce their World Cup squad on the 7th. November.  I hope that Brazil will surprise the football world in the World Cup squad. Since Messi is in great form for Argentina, this World Cup will be one of the best opportunities for Argentina. Because Messi has announced that he will not play this World Cup. It goes without saying that Argentina would not be very strong without Messi. the

Messi just had a small injury, but he is definitely playing in this world cup.

Leo Messi will remain in treatment for an inflamed Achilles tendon as a precautionary measure. He will resume training next week.

That’s the type of injury where you would be able to play with it, but then it’s going to bother you anyway if it’s not any better when the world cup comes. I am not saying he will play terribly, maybe he will play very well or maybe he won't we really don't know, but I am sure that he will have a slight pain here and there when he is playing, just a slight small hinge of a pain.

Only thing he needs to take care of right now would be not get tackled hard, if he gets tacked hard then Achillies could inflame again and that would be terrible, this "injury" could basically cause a worse injury and opens the path for it, so he needs to play a lot more carefully.

[Marvell1]

Messi just had a small injury, but he is definitely playing in this world cup.

Leo Messi will remain in treatment for an inflamed Achilles tendon as a precautionary measure. He will resume training next week.

We are just over 2 weeks away from the start of the World Cup, and the players going to Qatar will have to start managing their physical condition, so that injuries don't get in the way.
Probably Messi started training, but maybe he won't do 90 minutes again, in the next games, just in case.

I also agree, and I also do not think that he’s going to play for 90 minutes because he will be saving himself for the World Cup. He would surely not like to have any type of injury before the World Cup. For him, right now, he is looking forward to the World Cup more than anything else. And we all know how highly Messi values the World Cup at this moment in time. After all, that is the only thing he does not have on his list of trophies.

As for those who are already concerned about Lionel Messi's injury, I think you should know that it is nothing serious.

[Rruchi man]

As for those who are already concerned about Lionel Messi's injury, I think you should know that it is nothing serious.

Messi barely stays injured for long, it is one attribute that has blossomed his career in football. This world cup will most likely be his last world cup. As a country, Argentina cannot afford to go into this world cup without their talisman. We will see some action packed football, Argentina cannot go slacking. After looking at the Brazilian squad for the world cup, every team will have to come with their best players, because if world cup are won based on depth of a squad, brazil are already in the finals.