We bring you a guide to the ten favourites for the World Cup. Including England much higher than they deserve.
The last international break before the World Cup is done and that means, a smattering of pre-tournament friendlies aside, it’s all off to Qatar next. Once everyone’s played about 27 club games in the next nine weeks first anyway.
Didier Deschamps’ side qualified for Qatar in comfortable if not quite entirely convincing fashion, drawing home and away with Ukraine and also failing to beat Bosnia at home. Since winning it twice and finishing runner-up once in the space of four tournaments from 1978 to 1990, Argentina have been beyond the quarter-finals only once, when they narrowly lost the final to Germany in Brazil in extra-time after a goalless 90 minutes.
Have had luck with draws opening up for them, but could well do so again in Qatar. If they can top an initial group containing Iran, USA and Wales – admittedly a bigger ‘if’ than might have been expected – then a last-16 clash against Qatar, Ecuador or Senegal doesn’t look too awful.
Have just qualified for the Nations League finals as well, pipping Portugal to top spot thanks to a late Alvaro Morata winner in Braga on the final matchday. How much the Nations League actually matters is up for debate, but it’s arguably notable that the other top European sides towards the head of the World Cup market – Germany, France, England – have made varying degrees of a bollocks of it.
They haven’t lost a game since their 2-0 defeat to the Czechs in the last 16 at last summer’s Euros and have just absolutely pulverised a top-tier Nations League group featuring fellow World Cup qualifiers Belgium, Poland and Wales. That ability to shithouse success from the most unlikely of scenarios, alongside the presence of A Certain Mr Cristiano Ronaldo and all manner of Wolves players, means bookmakers are taking no chances with their Portugal prices.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Former England goalkeeper rates Nick Pope against rivals ahead of Qatar World CupAhead of Qatar World Cup finals, former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson rates Nick Pope against rivals.
Read more »
England are still among favourites to win 2022 World Cup — Luis EnriqueSpain national team manager Luis Enrique believes England are among the favourites to win this year&8217;s World Cup despite their recent stuttering form. Gareth Southgate has come under pressure of late as England are guaranteed to finish bottom of their Nations League group following their latest...
Read more »
Southgate loved the England fans and Kane sends them message ahead of World CupHarry Kane has told people to judge Gareth Southgate’s side in Qatar as England signed off their Nations League campaign with a thrilling draw against Germany. The Three Lions drew 3-3 with G…
Read more »
England World Cup ladder: How far has Harry Maguire dropped in our top 50 ranking?If you are new to the England ladder then this is how it works – this is an approximation of Gareth Southgate’s thoughts on England. Not ours. But Gareth Southgate’s. Which is why Harry Maguire is not jettisoned...
Read more »
Gareth Southgate commits to Nick Pope eight weeks ahead of World Cup kick-offGareth Southgate commits to Nick Pope eight weeks ahead of World Cup kick-off nufc england
Read more »
'A big, big mistake': Cantona slams Beckham for supporting Qatar World CupManchester United legend Eric Cantona has criticised David Beckham for doing work with Qatar which saw the English football icon promote the World Cup hosts in tourism material.
Read more »