FIFA World Cup is set to begin on 20th November 2022 in Qatar and it will be the very first time that the tournament is starting in winter in the middle of European football season. This might have big effect on some of the big nations considering some top players from big nations might be missing because of injuries/fitness issues. That kind of make the outcome of this world cup rather unpredictable.
However as the groups are drawn we can pretty much see into the future and predict how the tournament is going to be played out. If we take away those potential giant killings, the usual suspects should make to first knockout stage called round of 16.
On paper, Brazil and France are two of the most talented teams in the world. If we simulate matches from group stage to finals and always have the favourite win the match, we might be seeing rematch of 1998 World Cup final between Brazil and France. But we all know games are not played on paper.
As you can see in the bracket above we started the predictions with group winners and runners-up. As FIFA has already announced knockout ties with for example Group A winners taking on Group B runners-up and Group B winners take on Group A runners-ups. That give us 16 teams in first knockout round.
Round of 16 Predictions:
1. Netherlands vs USA: Dutch side under Louis Van Gaal are one of the dark horses in the tournament and if they can finish top of their group, the might be playing against United States in round of 16. United States are decent side who wont be pushovers but this Dutch side have so many talented players in the squad who should have enough about them to get past the Americans. Winners Netherlands
2. England vs Senegal: England usually do well in group stages where they face USA, Wales and Iran. Two wins in group will pretty much win them the group and if that is they case they might be facing African giants in Senegal. This should be a difficult game for England which might go to extra time considering Senegal are no pushovers and one of the best teams from African who can go far in this tournament. However we predict England to edge this one 2-1 unless Harry pulls a Maguire. Winners England
3. Argentina vs Denmark: This one will be much more competitive then what it suggest on paper. Denmark may not have your super star players but they are one of the most hard working team in the world Cup. But with Lionel Messi coming into the world cup is such a good form and combine that with other quality players in Argentina squad we can see them getting the better of Denmark. Winners Argentina
4. Spain vs Croatia: 2018 world cup finalists, Croatia are always difficult to play against and but they have an aging squad who will be playing one of the most exciting young teams in Spain. Under Luis Enrique Spanish national side are finally started to show what they are capable of. Croatia will do the usual sit back and hope to catch Spain on the break but we cant see it happening as this Spanish side are much more dynamic going forward and should breakdown Croatia eventually. Winners Spain
5. France vs Poland: Unless French side go int off the field chaos, France should have enough about them to get past this talented Polish side where Lewandowski will be hoping to make a mark in big tournament. Generally speaking France could field 3-4 teams in World Cup and they would all be in knockout stages considering their strength and depth. Winners France
6. Belgium vs Germany: Maybe the best tie of first knockout stage. Belgium take on German in round of 16 game and for the very first time in long time Germans wont be favorites going into the tournament. However we know “Ze Germans” usually turn up in world cups. But with Kevin De Bruyne at the peak of his powers we can see them getting the better of Germany. Winners Belgium
7. Brazil vs Uruguay: If Brazil win their group and Uruguay can finish Runners-up behind Portugal in group stages we will have an all South American affair and what a game it will be. Brazil are favorites to go all the way and win the tournament actually. But Uruguay are one of these teams who can pull of a surprise result against Brazil. However we stick with Brazilian magic and see them get past Uruguay. Winners Brazil
8. Portugal vs Switzerland: Surely Last big tournament for Cristiano Ronaldo ? Well apparently not, he wants to play Euro 2024 as well. But considering his form with Manchester United going into this World Cup we cant see him play in any big event after this tournament. There is a upset written all over this tie, Because Switzerland is one of the most difficult teams to play against. But we are going with Portugal to win this one to setup a mouth watering quarterfinal tie. Winners Portugal
Quarterfinal Predictions:
As we have our final 8 teams, we also know their route to the final. If things pan out as we predict we will have four absolute cracking quarterfinal ties.
1. Netherlands vs Argentina: When these two play in the world cup its usually Argentina who come away with a win. From the Cruyff era to Maradona single handedly winning world cups. On current form both of these teams are equally matched however Argentina rely heavily on Lionel Messi while Dutch side are more of a balanced team under Van Gaal. We predict an Netherlands win in this one. Winners Netherlands
2. Spain vs Brazil: Brazil have so much talent upfront while Spain are getting better under Luis Enrique and it might be one of those high scoring games. Brazil have dodgy defense and that might cause them some issue but what they lack in defense, they make up with their attack. It will be hard for most teams to stop the likes of Neymar, Jesus, Vinicius Jr and Raphina who all heading to world cup in good form. We going with Brazilian win in this one. Winners Brazil
3. England vs France: Gareth Southgate is somehow undoing all the good work England has done over the last two big tournaments. The squad is has talent but do they have enough grit to grind out results ? well we are not too sure about. On paper France has the best squad and most talented players all around the pitch and if they play as team only a few teams can stop them. We are going with a France win here. Winners France
4. Portugal vs Belgium: Now this one of anybody’s game. Unless Ronaldo pull of surprise performance this has penalties written all over it. But with Kevin De Bruyne pulling the strings for Belgium in midfield we can see him dominating games for Belgium. Portugal might be more talented squad now but their coach Santos just won’t let them play to their strengths. Belgium win for us in this one. Winners Belgium
Semifinal Predictions:
1st Semifinal – Brazil vs Netherlands: Repeat of 1998 World Cup ? very much so. Brazil are tipped to reach the final by most football experts. But this Dutch side is no pushovers. They usually turn up in big events. However the likes of Neymar, Vinicius and Jesus in such good form we expect them to get through this and make it to their first final since 2002 world cup. Winners Brazil
2nd Semifinal: France vs Belgium: Another repeat of 2018 world cup semifinal where France defeated Belgium to reach the final. France have not played the best football since that final triumph and neither have Belgium. Belgium has kind of regressed since that tournament and reaching semifinal might be their peak. Winners France
The Final Predictions:
Brazil vs France: If both teams finish top of their groups, they wont meet until the final. On paper Brazil, Argentina and France are favorites to reach the final. France has played 2 finals since since 1998 world cup. Lost against Italy in 2006 and won against Croatia in 2018. Brazil on the other hand have not reached a final since their 2002 win over Germany.
We are going with France to beat Brazil in the final and lift their third world cup. In the one-off game, Didier Deschamps is much more pragmatic even with incredible talent upfront. He will lineup in a defense shape and hope to pick Brazil off on the counter attacks with the likes of Mbappe, Dembele and Mousa Diaby perfectly suited for that style.
