It is less than 50 days to the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and fans are gearing up for what promises to be a very different tournament.
The group stage match ups have been determined and among them are some games which hold the promise of high entertainment value. Bettors are also looking forward to making bank while enjoying a great viewing experience.
This article brings you the World Cup group stage games to look out for come November 2022.
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Group D: France vs Denmark
France vs Denmark is fast becoming the new Nigeria vs Argentina of the FIFA World Cup, with both sides slated to meet for the fourth time on the world stage. France manager Didier Deschamps is definitely tired of this match up.
Regardless of how he feels, he is under the obligation to deliver a stellar performance against the team that has been a thorn in his side over the past few years. Their most recent meetings ended in losses for France. History, however, is kind to France in this fixture as they have won eight of their 16 meetings, losing 6 and drawing two, starting from 1973.
An interesting match is on the cards for all involved, especially for Denmark. They were the only team who France did not beat in their run up to the 2018 title in Russia. Their recent form against the World Champions will also spur them to go even harder come November 26, at Stadium 974.
Group B: England vs United States
It is easy to write this game off as a win for the Three Lions, however, the USMNT’s improved form against teams outside the CONCACAF region in the past few years speaks for them. There is also the little issue of team harmony in the England setup, only weeks to the World Cup.
England manager Gareth Southgate has been unable to make his squad of amazing players into a team of late. The individual talents of the Three Lions have looked directionless in recent times and unfortunately, they do not have any other chances to work things out before travelling to Qatar in November.
The Americans will see it as an opportunity to finally prove to the English that they are now on par with them in the world’s game. There is also the political tension between both nations which will stoke some fires and definitely heat up the atmosphere at Al Bayt Stadium on November 25.
Group C: Argentina vs Mexico
Brazil vs Argentina may be the Clasico of South America, but Argentina vs Mexico is the Clasico of the Americas. Both teams have stood at the pinnacle of their continents on many occasions and will always be considered among the world’s best teams, no matter the generation.
They first met in 1930 during the inaugural World Cup in Uruguay. Argentina won that match. Since then, it has been a rambunctious fixture for both fans and players. 35 games later, the excitement whenever there is a chance of these teams clashing is still as palpable as it was the first time they did.
El Tri, however, have always gotten the short end of the stick. Not only have they lost 16 of the 35 games played against La Albiceleste (14 draws and five wins), but the South Americans won their second world title on their home soil. Come November 26 at the Lusail Stadium, they will be ready to put their lives on the line to beat their eternal rivals.
Group G: Brazil v Switzerland
The world’s top ranked team against the world’s 15th ranked team does not sound like an interesting matchup, but there is a bit of history to this tie.
First of all, Switzerland is one of the few teams that Brazil has found difficult to overcome. Even the many legendary teams of the Samba nation have been unable to win by more than a goal margin. They have played nine games to date and drawn four of those games. Brazil has won three, while Switzerland has won two of the remaining five.
More recently, they met in the 2018 World Cup in Russia and it was a very heated game because of Neymar’s diving antics. The game ended in a draw but the Swiss were very displeased with the way the game turned out, thanks to how Neymar’s shenanigans killed the momentum of the game.
Both teams will be looking to prove a point against each other come November 28 at Stadium 974.
Group H: Uruguay vs Ghana
A revenge match is on the cards for Ghana, who were denied a semi-final spot by Uruguay in 2010, when the World Cup went to Africa. Luis Suarez handled a goal-bound shot which would have sent Ghana to the semi-finals on the line and Asamoah Gyan missed the corresponding penalty.
Uruguay have a much better squad than Ghana do and are the overwhelming favorites for the tie. But we have come to understand that when games are personal, the usual is not always applicable. If there is a match that could produce an upset, it is this one.
Uruguay know what is coming and will be prepared come December 2, at Al Janoub Stadium.
