USA,Belgium and Denmark to bring millions?
So, in the final blog dedicated to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, we will look at those teams, that in our opinion can surprise the entire football world in less than a month. Let's get into it...
Odd for USA victory: 101.50
North American football has been growing in strength and popularity every year, with the MLS attracting many star names and the recent success of Canada’s qualification campaign showing that the continent is becoming much more competitive in world football. However, whilst John Herdman’s Maple Leaves will be appearing at only their second-ever World Cup finals, the United States have been one of the tournament’s regulars in living memory, having appeared at every edition of the competition between 1990 and 2014. They missed out on Russia 2018 after going out during the qualification stages, but have recovered and will return to the finals through their third-place finish in the third stage of CONCACAF qualifying. The USA have been drawn in Group B in Qatar, which will see them face England, Wales and Iran for a place in the knockout stages, and they have a very real chance of making it that far. They also have previous experience of competing in the latter stages of the competition, having finished in the top two of their group in both 2010 and 2014, so know what it will take to be in the last 16.
USA entered in the third round of CONCACAF qualifying needing to finish in the top three to reach Qatar whilst fourth place would have placed them in a inter-confederation playoff over two legs. After draws with El Salvador and Canada, the Stars and Stripes got going over the next two matchdays with convincing victories over Honduras and Jamaica. A shock 1-0 defeat to Panama was followed by wins over Costa Rica and a key 2-0 triumph against bitter rivals Mexico before going 3-2-2 over their remaining seven fixtures. Qualification was secured on the final matchday despite a 2-0 defeat in the reverse fixture against Costa Rica with Berhalter's men finishing third behind Canada and Mexico.
USA have made it past the first knockout stage of the World Cup just twice in 1930, when they only needed three matches to reach the semifinals and 2002, securing an appearance in the quarterfinals. 20 years ago in South Korea/Japan, the Stars and Stripes began the group stages with a scintillating 3-2 victory over Portugal after building a 3-0 lead. A 1-1 draw with co-host nation South Korea was followed by a 3-1 defeat to Poland. Despite that result, the Americans progressed to the Round of 16 as second-place finishers in Group D. Goals from Brian McBride and Landon Donovan propelled USA past Mexico by a 2-0 scoreline and sent them to the last eight for the first time since 1930, where they narrowly lost 1-0 to runners-up Germany. USA are 16-time Gold Champions and won the Nations League last year, capped with a thrilling 3-2 win over Mexico in extra time.
Christian Pulisic is the key player for the Americans. He started his career with German giants Borussia Dortmund, scoring 13 goals in 90 appearances for Die Schwarzgelben from 2016-19. The 24-year old joined Chelsea in the English Premier League and has taken his goal-scoring prowess to another level, doubling his overall tally with the Blues, netting 20 times in 84 appearances. In international duty, Pulisic has 21 goals in 52 appearances for the Stars and Stripes, including five in qualifying, placing him second on the CONCACAF goal-scoring charts.
Berhalter's best XI is expected to be: Turner; Robinson, Zimmerman, Richards, Dest; Adams, Musah, McKennie; Pulisic, Ferreira, Weah
The key to success for Berhalter's side will be if he can produce the line-up he has had in mind for a while. Pulisic and FC Dallas striker Jesus Ferreira provide a potent attacking duo with the likes of Josh Sargent, Paul Arriola, Jordan Morris and Ricardo Pepi also at his disposal. Chris Richards is a question mark at center-back as he has been suffering through injuries and may see reduced playing time at Crystal Palace. Aaron Long will be ready to take his place if necessary to start alongside the rock-solid Walker Zimmerman. Matt Turner is the projected starter in goal although Berhalter may opt for Sean Johnson or Ethan Horvath, especially with the Arsenal man held out of the Gunners' most recent Europa League tie.
The Stars and Stripes face Wales in their Group B opener in what ould be a key match in determining who reaches the knockout stages. The much-anticipated fixture with England follows with Iran the final group-stage game. A win over the Welsh, who needed to qualify for the World Cup through the UEFA playoffs, would do wonders for USA's chances to reach the last 16, with the crowd figuring to be on their side after Wales eliminated Ukraine in the play-off final. England will figure to be the group favorites and look to make amends for their 1-1 draw with the Americans after a howler let in by Robert Green in their 2006 match cost the Three Lions first place in the group. America hasn't faced Iran since a shock 2-1 defeat in the 1998 edition. Carlos Queiroz's side look to be the weakest side of the four teams in Group B and facing them last could be important should Berhalter's men need a result. While topping the group looks to be a challenge, second place is certainly feasible, especially if USA can top Wales as previously mentioned. With this side so young, Berhalter will look to make sure the future is now.
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2. Denmark
Group D: France, Australia, Denmark, Tunisia
Odd for Denmark victory: 31.50
Denmark have always produced spectacular performances in major tournaments like the World Cup and European Championship but they are certainly not among the big boys in world football. The tenth-ranked country had an amazing run in the Euro 2020 as they went all the way to the semis despite losing their star midfielder Christian Eriksen in the group stage as the playmaker suffered a cardiac arrest against Finland. Eriksen has since made a dramatic return to the top level football and now plies his trade with Manchester United. Eriksen, along with his team-mates, are a fine side who could surprise many in the World Cup as they did in the Euros. The rise to the top in recent years, possibly along with the collective trauma from that day in Parken last Summer, have sent the popularity of the national team into overdrive. Qualification was a breeze. Denmark’s goal difference reached a massive 29-0 before a last-minute goal at the hands of the Faroe Islands broke the dreams of going through qualification without conceding, and a loss to Scotland in the final game a few days later quashed the dreams of maximum points. However, few countries will have had a more relaxing road to the tournament than the Danes. At the doorstep of the 2022 World Cup, Danes are hopeful. But is the tournament coming half a year too late? Denmark has put out line-ups with an average of 60/caps per player, which suggests experience, but also that age is catching up to some in the team. It is not going swimmingly for Schmeichel at Lille, Delaney is not playing much for Sevilla, Wass has moved back to Brøndby, Simon Kjær and Yussuf Poulsen are struggling with injuries or playing time. Elsewhere Mikkel Damsgaard missing almost the entirety of last season through injury, has yet to fire on all cylinders for Brentford. Apart from Damsgaard, the Premier League is the place to look for Danes performing. Eriksen and Højbjerg are among the first names on the team sheet in the engine rooms of United and Tottenham, while Nørgaard when uninjured is a stable performer for Brentford. Elsewhere Joachim Andersen is playing on a high level for Crystal Palace, while Rasmus Kristensen have gone straight in as a starter at right back for Leeds. Mathias Jensen and Phillip Billing are also enjoying their best ever spells in the league. You’re probably asking yourself: “All that sounds pretty good, so what’s stopping Denmark from being among the biggest favorites for the World Cup?” And the answer is simple: King Frederik VI. In 1814 he lost Norway to Sweden, Norway gained independence in 1905, yada yada yada two world wars, Lineker shitting himself on the pitch, Denmark winning the 1992 Euros, Haaland being born ready to play for an independent Norway. Obviously, it’s a bit of a cop-out to say that all you need is the most prolific goal scorer in world football, but the star power up front is sorely missed, by a team that is otherwise brimming with players from the biggest leagues and clubs around the world.
2022 World Cup Group D prediction: France and Denmark advance
3. Belgium
Group F: Belgium, Canada, Morocco, Croatia
Odd for Belgium victory: 15.20
Belgium are the main attraction of Group F, which also includes Morocco, Canada and Croatia. The game against Croatia on matchday three will be incredibly difficult, and both teams will be hoping they can book their route into the knockout stages by taking sufficient points in their other two games. Croatia were the runners up at the 2018 World Cup, losing 4-2 to France in Moscow in the final. It was a bit of a surprise that they managed to make it that far, but it means that no one should be underestimating them this winter. Much like Belgium, Croatia have a squad that might just be about to decline, but we can still expect the game between them to be very competitive. “Croatia are always, always a tough team to beat,” explained Fabian, “they set up well. It's going to be a close game and I think Belgium will have to be at their top, top level to beat them, unless we have already qualified by winning the first two games.” Prior to playing Croatia, Belgium must first overcome Morocco and Canada. The 'Red Devils' have little experience playing both teams, having only played four games in total against both sides. The only competitive meeting between the Belgians and either of them was in 1994, against Morocco at the World Cup. The Canadians are heading to their first tournament for 36 years, so have not got a lot of experience on the world stage. But again, they will also be determined to not be simply making up the numbers. Their star player is Bayern Munich superstar Alfonso Davies, who burst onto the scene in 2020 during Bayern’s Champions League winning campaign that season.
1. USA
Group B: England, Iran, United States, WalesOdd for USA victory: 101.50
North American football has been growing in strength and popularity every year, with the MLS attracting many star names and the recent success of Canada’s qualification campaign showing that the continent is becoming much more competitive in world football. However, whilst John Herdman’s Maple Leaves will be appearing at only their second-ever World Cup finals, the United States have been one of the tournament’s regulars in living memory, having appeared at every edition of the competition between 1990 and 2014. They missed out on Russia 2018 after going out during the qualification stages, but have recovered and will return to the finals through their third-place finish in the third stage of CONCACAF qualifying. The USA have been drawn in Group B in Qatar, which will see them face England, Wales and Iran for a place in the knockout stages, and they have a very real chance of making it that far. They also have previous experience of competing in the latter stages of the competition, having finished in the top two of their group in both 2010 and 2014, so know what it will take to be in the last 16.
Qualification path:
USA entered in the third round of CONCACAF qualifying needing to finish in the top three to reach Qatar whilst fourth place would have placed them in a inter-confederation playoff over two legs. After draws with El Salvador and Canada, the Stars and Stripes got going over the next two matchdays with convincing victories over Honduras and Jamaica. A shock 1-0 defeat to Panama was followed by wins over Costa Rica and a key 2-0 triumph against bitter rivals Mexico before going 3-2-2 over their remaining seven fixtures. Qualification was secured on the final matchday despite a 2-0 defeat in the reverse fixture against Costa Rica with Berhalter's men finishing third behind Canada and Mexico.
Historical performances:
USA have made it past the first knockout stage of the World Cup just twice in 1930, when they only needed three matches to reach the semifinals and 2002, securing an appearance in the quarterfinals. 20 years ago in South Korea/Japan, the Stars and Stripes began the group stages with a scintillating 3-2 victory over Portugal after building a 3-0 lead. A 1-1 draw with co-host nation South Korea was followed by a 3-1 defeat to Poland. Despite that result, the Americans progressed to the Round of 16 as second-place finishers in Group D. Goals from Brian McBride and Landon Donovan propelled USA past Mexico by a 2-0 scoreline and sent them to the last eight for the first time since 1930, where they narrowly lost 1-0 to runners-up Germany. USA are 16-time Gold Champions and won the Nations League last year, capped with a thrilling 3-2 win over Mexico in extra time.
Player to watch:
Christian Pulisic is the key player for the Americans. He started his career with German giants Borussia Dortmund, scoring 13 goals in 90 appearances for Die Schwarzgelben from 2016-19. The 24-year old joined Chelsea in the English Premier League and has taken his goal-scoring prowess to another level, doubling his overall tally with the Blues, netting 20 times in 84 appearances. In international duty, Pulisic has 21 goals in 52 appearances for the Stars and Stripes, including five in qualifying, placing him second on the CONCACAF goal-scoring charts.
Expected lineup:
Berhalter's best XI is expected to be: Turner; Robinson, Zimmerman, Richards, Dest; Adams, Musah, McKennie; Pulisic, Ferreira, Weah
Biggest talking point;
The key to success for Berhalter's side will be if he can produce the line-up he has had in mind for a while. Pulisic and FC Dallas striker Jesus Ferreira provide a potent attacking duo with the likes of Josh Sargent, Paul Arriola, Jordan Morris and Ricardo Pepi also at his disposal. Chris Richards is a question mark at center-back as he has been suffering through injuries and may see reduced playing time at Crystal Palace. Aaron Long will be ready to take his place if necessary to start alongside the rock-solid Walker Zimmerman. Matt Turner is the projected starter in goal although Berhalter may opt for Sean Johnson or Ethan Horvath, especially with the Arsenal man held out of the Gunners' most recent Europa League tie.
TopSportie predicts:
The Stars and Stripes face Wales in their Group B opener in what ould be a key match in determining who reaches the knockout stages. The much-anticipated fixture with England follows with Iran the final group-stage game. A win over the Welsh, who needed to qualify for the World Cup through the UEFA playoffs, would do wonders for USA's chances to reach the last 16, with the crowd figuring to be on their side after Wales eliminated Ukraine in the play-off final. England will figure to be the group favorites and look to make amends for their 1-1 draw with the Americans after a howler let in by Robert Green in their 2006 match cost the Three Lions first place in the group. America hasn't faced Iran since a shock 2-1 defeat in the 1998 edition. Carlos Queiroz's side look to be the weakest side of the four teams in Group B and facing them last could be important should Berhalter's men need a result. While topping the group looks to be a challenge, second place is certainly feasible, especially if USA can top Wales as previously mentioned. With this side so young, Berhalter will look to make sure the future is now.You can get a world cup pass in the store with 20% discount if you use promo-code "USA22"
2. Denmark
Group D: France, Australia, Denmark, Tunisia
Odd for Denmark victory: 31.50
Denmark have always produced spectacular performances in major tournaments like the World Cup and European Championship but they are certainly not among the big boys in world football. The tenth-ranked country had an amazing run in the Euro 2020 as they went all the way to the semis despite losing their star midfielder Christian Eriksen in the group stage as the playmaker suffered a cardiac arrest against Finland. Eriksen has since made a dramatic return to the top level football and now plies his trade with Manchester United. Eriksen, along with his team-mates, are a fine side who could surprise many in the World Cup as they did in the Euros. The rise to the top in recent years, possibly along with the collective trauma from that day in Parken last Summer, have sent the popularity of the national team into overdrive. Qualification was a breeze. Denmark’s goal difference reached a massive 29-0 before a last-minute goal at the hands of the Faroe Islands broke the dreams of going through qualification without conceding, and a loss to Scotland in the final game a few days later quashed the dreams of maximum points. However, few countries will have had a more relaxing road to the tournament than the Danes. At the doorstep of the 2022 World Cup, Danes are hopeful. But is the tournament coming half a year too late? Denmark has put out line-ups with an average of 60/caps per player, which suggests experience, but also that age is catching up to some in the team. It is not going swimmingly for Schmeichel at Lille, Delaney is not playing much for Sevilla, Wass has moved back to Brøndby, Simon Kjær and Yussuf Poulsen are struggling with injuries or playing time. Elsewhere Mikkel Damsgaard missing almost the entirety of last season through injury, has yet to fire on all cylinders for Brentford. Apart from Damsgaard, the Premier League is the place to look for Danes performing. Eriksen and Højbjerg are among the first names on the team sheet in the engine rooms of United and Tottenham, while Nørgaard when uninjured is a stable performer for Brentford. Elsewhere Joachim Andersen is playing on a high level for Crystal Palace, while Rasmus Kristensen have gone straight in as a starter at right back for Leeds. Mathias Jensen and Phillip Billing are also enjoying their best ever spells in the league. You’re probably asking yourself: “All that sounds pretty good, so what’s stopping Denmark from being among the biggest favorites for the World Cup?” And the answer is simple: King Frederik VI. In 1814 he lost Norway to Sweden, Norway gained independence in 1905, yada yada yada two world wars, Lineker shitting himself on the pitch, Denmark winning the 1992 Euros, Haaland being born ready to play for an independent Norway. Obviously, it’s a bit of a cop-out to say that all you need is the most prolific goal scorer in world football, but the star power up front is sorely missed, by a team that is otherwise brimming with players from the biggest leagues and clubs around the world.
2022 World Cup Group D prediction: France and Denmark advance
3. Belgium
Group F: Belgium, Canada, Morocco, Croatia
Odd for Belgium victory: 15.20
Often dubbed as one of the most talented footballing nations never to win a World Cup, Belgium are heading into this year’s tournament looking to finally get that monkey off their backs. The tale of the last 10 years has been ‘close, but not close enough’ from a Belgian perspective, and there are worries that a golden generation of top class players are going to finish their international careers trophyless. Players such as Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Thibaut Courtois are all superstars with multiple honours for their respective clubs, but is this the last chance for Belgium manager Roberto Martinez to guide them to international glory? The locals at home aren’t too optimistic about the chances of success.
Belgium’s Group to Lusail:
Belgium are the main attraction of Group F, which also includes Morocco, Canada and Croatia. The game against Croatia on matchday three will be incredibly difficult, and both teams will be hoping they can book their route into the knockout stages by taking sufficient points in their other two games. Croatia were the runners up at the 2018 World Cup, losing 4-2 to France in Moscow in the final. It was a bit of a surprise that they managed to make it that far, but it means that no one should be underestimating them this winter. Much like Belgium, Croatia have a squad that might just be about to decline, but we can still expect the game between them to be very competitive. “Croatia are always, always a tough team to beat,” explained Fabian, “they set up well. It's going to be a close game and I think Belgium will have to be at their top, top level to beat them, unless we have already qualified by winning the first two games.” Prior to playing Croatia, Belgium must first overcome Morocco and Canada. The 'Red Devils' have little experience playing both teams, having only played four games in total against both sides. The only competitive meeting between the Belgians and either of them was in 1994, against Morocco at the World Cup. The Canadians are heading to their first tournament for 36 years, so have not got a lot of experience on the world stage. But again, they will also be determined to not be simply making up the numbers. Their star player is Bayern Munich superstar Alfonso Davies, who burst onto the scene in 2020 during Bayern’s Champions League winning campaign that season.
Key Players:
As previously mentioned, the calibre of players featuring for Belgium nowadays can strike fear into any opposition. Kevin De Bruyne is their star asset in midfield and is widely regarded as one of the best in his position in world football. He can provide the service for the man ahead of him, Romelu Lukaku, who is one of the most dangerous strikers in the world. But one player who they’ll be looking towards to return to top form is Real Madrid’s Eden Hazard. A move to Real Madrid in 2019 has proven to not go exactly to plan for the forward, but everyone knows that when he is in the right mood, he’s one of the most exciting talents in world football. “Since Real Madrid, since his injury struggles, nobody at this moment expects a lot from him anymore” revealed Fabian. Still, he has a different class that other players don't have. Like I'm not going to say he's irreplaceable because we have other players that can play in this position, but sometimes you need a spark of class like he has.” With previous tournament failures being put behind them, Belgium have to go all-out for the final shot at glory for this golden generation of players. Can they come to Qatar and create a big impact? Only time will tell.
6 November 2022
