I wouldn't lie, I didn't have that excitement as the draw was being done because Nigeria didn't qualify. There was no feeling where I had to be anxious for what's to come but it's okay, we orchestrated our downfall and that doesn't mean the world has to end. It is going to be an interesting World Cup and I can sense it too.
With the way these draws came up, except for an upset, I don't see any African team progressing from the group stage. There is a clear gulf in class and the draws are not favourable to us at all in any way. It would be a miracle to have any other team progress to the next round without the best loser tag, except Senegal. This is why I am so angry Nigeria didn't qualify, at least there would be hope and with Egypt being out too, the chances are limited. All hope and expectations would be on Senegal and let's hope that Sadio Mane can at least inspire them to something magical but not to the extent of winning the World Cup...I am not delusional but it's okay to dream.
Group A.
Qatar
Netherlands
Senegal
Ecuador
This is an interesting one and my prediction for these games isn't disrespectful to any team. Just what I feel and think might play out. It's just my opinion and no offence on that. Yes, I believe the Netherlands would be the strong favourite for this one and I want to believe Senegal would do well and take the second spot. Qatar would be lucky to get a point in this group or even come third.
Group B.
England
United States
Iran
Wales or the winner between Scotland and Ukraine
This is tough to predict because I don't know who is going to win between Wales and Scotland/Ukraine since they are yet to complete their qualifying round. There is no iota of doubt, barring any unforeseen misfortune, England should comfortably top this group while IF Wales goes through, I believe they would come second in the group.
Group C.
Argentina
Mexico
Poland
Saudi Arabia
This is another hard call because Mexico is not a pushover but with Robert Lewandowski's inspiration, it's hard to lower the standards for Poland. I believe Argentina should top this group (if they play like a team anyway) and Poland should come second.
Group D.
France
Denmark
Tunisia
Peru or the winner between Austria and UAE.
Sorry to Tunisia, but I don't see them gunning for the top spot here. France should also comfortably top the group while Denmark would come second. Tunisia can settle for the third spot and hopefully they would inspire enough to be picked as the best loser (if it's allowed).
Group E.
Spain
Germany
Japan
Costa Rica v New Zealand (the winner)
This is a straightforward one for me because I feel the other two have no chance against Spain and Germany. Germany would top the group while Spain would settle for the second spot.
Group F.
Belgium
Croatia
Morocco
Canada
I think I would go with how they have been listed here for the first and second spots 馃ぃ馃ぃ馃槀. It's shameful because most African teams have no chance against these teams.
Group G.
Brazil
Switzerland
Serbia
Cameroon
Brazil would hope to see their big players perform on the big stage this time around. I see Brazil getting the top spot followed by Switzerland.
Group H.
Portugal
Uruguay
South Korea
Ghana
This is bad for Ghana and they would have to face Luis Suarez after what happened at the World Cup that time. Suarez stopped the ball from going into the net with his hand. He was given a red card but Asamoah Gyan couldn't score the penalty. They would face each other yet again and you can expect boos for Suarez in that game. I have a feeling that Uruguay would top the group and Portugal would be second.
I sounded sure in my predictions as though I have the magic wand, don't mind me. Football is full of surprises and I am more than open to seeing upsets in this World Cup which would kick off on the 21st of November, 2022. It begs the question what would happen to club football? They might take a pause for the World Cup and then resume back but the season won't end in May. It should be extended so the players won't burn out.
What do you think of these group games? Do you also see any African team progress to the next round? Would be interesting to rub minds together in the comment section.
Cheers.
Gingered Up! 鉂ｏ笍
