A WINTER World Cup is going to be like nothing we’ve seen before on the international stage.
Preparation has proved a challenge for many nations and, with the final games before the tournament begins out the way, all we can do now is wait.
England’s form may have been concerning but it is a pattern repeated across a number of top nations.
The struggles of some of the best ahead of Qatar could well make 2022 one of the most open World Cup’s we’ve seen for some time.
SunSport runs you through the runners and riders away from the home nations…
France
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They might be the holders, but France hardly arrive fighting fit for the defence of their crown.
Pressure is building on Didier Deschamps after just one win from six Nations League games.
Any side with Kylian Mbappe must be considered amongst the favourites but the PSG star is prone to fall-outs, which could once more be the undoing of this combustible France squad at a major tournament.
It is also a guessing game as to whether Paul Pogba will be ready to go or not. The midfielder is set to return from a knee injury just days before the start of the World Cup.
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Brazil
Tite’s side steamrolled their way through qualifying without losing a single match and have been thumping opponents with ease in recent weeks.
Brazil could even afford to leave Gabriel Jesus at home for the last international break before the tournament, while Neymar will be powered on by the chance to break Pele’s Brazilian goalscoring record with just two more strikes.
Netherlands
Louis Van Gaal is back for one final tilt at the World Cup.
His Dutch side are the only European team to go unbeaten since Euro 2020 so arrive in fine fettle.
Despite an array of talent their bid could be undone by key men enduring rough starts to the season.
Virgil van Dijk has admitted he is struggling for top form while Matthijs de Ligt has lost his place in the side and Georgino Wijnaldum fractured his leg last month.
Argentina
There could hardly be a more romantic winner than Argentina.
Qatar will be Lionel Messi’s last dance at a World Cup as he chases the one title to have eluded his glittering career.
The PSG star now has a far stronger squad to lean on too with Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez and Lautauro Martinez all having seriously established themselves since the 2018 World Cup.
Belgium
Ahead of every recent tournament, Belgium have been backed to finally seal a trophy for their golden generation.
There is every chance that this time it is just too late.
The individual talent in Roberto Martinez’s squad is undeniable but the knees of many stars are already starting to creak, with a defence still including Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld.
They won’t lack for experience, but they may struggle to keep up.
Germany
Despite their middling Nations League form, Germany qualified for the World Cup at a canter and cannot be written off.
As he looks to address a recent slump at major tournaments – they didn’t make it out of the group in Russia – Hansi Flick is creating a sharp side.
He can still call on the old guard with experience of winning the World Cup, while adding in the spark from the likes of Jamal Musiala.
Any injury to Joshua Kimmich could, however, be disastrous.
Spain
Spain are on the way back up on the global stage.
They’ve not made it past the last-16 at a World Cup since winning it 12 years ago but a place in the last four at Euro 2020 was a sure sign of progress.
Finalists in the Nations League next year after beating Portugal this week, Luis Enrique’s squad arrive on a high with a superb smattering of young stars to call upon.
Portugal
A manager blindly defending a Manchester United man who isn’t getting minutes with his club but is untouchable with his country sounds familiar, doesn’t it?
Cristiano Ronaldo and Harry Maguire may have to support one another in the weeks before Qatar.
Boss Fernando Santos is sticking by his talisman amid calls to drop him from the side after poor performances and a belief that he does not fit in with how Portugal want to play.
It’s set up nicely for a turbo tantrum from Ron in the Middle East.
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Dark Horse – Denmark
Semi-finalists at Euro 2021 after Christian Eriksen’s tragic collapse in their opening game, Denmark are a force to be reckoned with.
They won nine out of their ten qualifiers to reach Qatar and with Eriksen back playing and shining at Manchester United could be even stronger this winter.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
