By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
The News God
  • Politics
  • News
  • Business & Finance
  • Lifestyle & Health
  • Law
  • Sports
  • Tech & Autos
  • Home and Garden
  • Other Categories
    • Travel
    • Education
    • Entertainment
    • General
Reading: Is this year’s World Cup competitive or are the top teams weaker?
Share
Aa
The News God
Aa
  • Politics
  • News
  • Business & Finance
  • Lifestyle & Health
  • Law
  • Sports
  • Tech & Autos
  • Home and Garden
  • Other Categories
Search
  • Politics
  • News
  • Business & Finance
  • Lifestyle & Health
  • Law
  • Sports
  • Tech & Autos
  • Home and Garden
  • Other Categories
    • Travel
    • Education
    • Entertainment
    • General
Follow US
  • Why You Need to Read Business News Everyday
  • Why You Need to Read Business News Everyday
  • Advertise
  • Advertise
The News God > Blog > Sports > Is this year’s World Cup competitive or are the top teams weaker?
Sports

Is this year’s World Cup competitive or are the top teams weaker?

PAUL CARROLL
Last updated: 2022/12/05 at 6:12 AM
PAUL CARROLL Published December 5, 2022
Share
8 Min Read
World Cup
SHARE

When this year’s World Cup in Qatar drew closer, there were six teams who were heavily tipped in the betting markets to win it all. Brazil were the favourites to hoist their sixth World Cup trophy in the odds for world cup 2022, while defending champions France, Argentina, England, Spain and Germany rounded out the top six. 

Contents
BrazilFrance ArgentinaEnglandSpain Germany

It was perceived that after the aforementioned nations, there was a considerable drop-off in terms of talent. However, what the early group games of the tournament has proven is that the 2022 World Cup winner is far from a forgone conclusion. 

Whether it be Saudi Arabia’s historic win over Argentina, Germany’s shock defeat at the hands of Japan, or Morocco’s 2-0 triumph over the world number two ranked side Belgium – Qatar’s edition of the quadrennial event will be remembered as one filled with upsets.

With that in mind, does this year’s World Cup results suggest that it is one of the more competitive editions of the tournament in recent memory? Or conversely – that the top teams are weaker? We will have to wait until the knockout stages to determine that – however – it’s a question worth dissecting. 

Read on as we take a look at the six pre-tournament favourites and why one of them reigning supreme is not as straight-forward as many people thought it would be.

Brazil

While Brazil’s squad is as star-studded as it gets, they have had incredibly talented sides in recent tournaments who have failed to live up to expectations. The Selecao haven’t won or made a World Cup final since 2002, when they boasted the likes of all-time greats Ronaldo, Ronaldinho and Roberto Carlos. 

The men from South America have had plenty of generational talents subsequent to their 2-0 triumph over Germany in the big dance in ’02 – however – their inability to deliver silverware in the past four World Cups have fans and pundits beginning to doubt their mettle in knockout games. 

With that being said, Brazil are favourites for a reason – and with Neymar, Richarlison, Thiago Silva and Vinicius Jr. just a few of the world-class players at their disposal – write them off at your peril.

France 

While France still have elite talent such as Kylian Mbappe, Olivier Giroud and Adrien Rabiot suiting up in Qatar – the reigning champions’ downfall could be their laundry list of injured players. With Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema, 2018 hero Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante just some of the big names who won’t take the field in the Middle East – going back-to-back will be difficult to do.

Although they were impressive in group wins over Australia and Denmark – as the tournament progresses – it’s possible that their fitness levels or lack thereof could prove to be their downfall.

Argentina

Coming off the back of a Copa America title last year and entering this year’s tournament on a 36-game unbeaten streak – a large portion of the late betting money was for Argentina. However, similarly to their South American rivals Brazil – their level of talent hasn’t necessarily always translated to results. And that theory was given some credence after their opening game in Qatar – with Lionel Messi and company losing 2-1 to the 53rd ranked nation Saudi Arabia. 

With this being Messi’s last World Cup, there’s no doubting there will plenty of motivation within the Argentina camp to send him out a world champion – however – has their loss to Saudi Arabia identified a weakness in their game that future opposition could take advantage of?

England

The Three Lions’ World Cup record is well-known. They haven’t won a World Cup since they managed to do so on home soil 56 years ago. Their lack of success over the past five decades has been down to a myriad of factors. At times it’s a less than stellar squad – and on other occasions – they have considerably underachieved.

Their results at major tournaments under current manager Gareth Southgate makes for good reading, with England progressing to the World Cup semi-finals in Russia four years ago, before securing a berth in the Euro 2020 final against Italy. However, their most recent performances in the Nations League – in which they didn’t register a win – won’t particularly fill their fans with a whole lot of confidence.

Spain 

It’s difficult for the Red Fury to live up to the standards that the Spain teams set in 2008, 2010 & 2012 – when they secured two Euro championships and one World Cup title during that time. The Luis Henrique-managed side are going through somewhat of a transitional period – with concerns raised as to whether this year’s World Cup squad is too great a mix of the too-old and the too-young. 

That potential imbalance in the make-up of their squad didn’t appear to be a problem in their opening game against Costa Rica, with Spain thrashing their opponents 7-0. However, whether that was a sign of things to come or simply a flash in the pan remains to be seen.

Germany

Much like Spain, Germany are going through a transitional period that has seen them drop to 11th in the world in the men’s FIFA rankings. After winning the World Cup in 2014 courtesy of a Mario Gotze goal, the Germans have struggled at major tournaments since. Although a semi-final appearance at Euro 2016 is nothing to be scoffed at, their failure to get out of the group stage in Russia and their 2-0 defeat at the hands of England in the quarter-finals of Euro 2020 is indicative of where they are at currently as a squad.

Couple that with their 2-1 loss to Japan in their opening fixture at this year’s World Cup – and it hasn’t been the Germany team we’ve been accustomed to seeing in decades past. 

You Might Also Like

Esports Betting Instructions for League of Legends Fans

What Happened To Avalanche’s Cody McLeod?

Learning the Art of Kung Fu

FULL LIST: The Most Prominent Tennis Players of All Times – Male & Female in 2023

What Is New For The Formula 1 2023 Season?

PAUL CARROLL December 5, 2022
Share this Article
Facebook Twitter Email Print
Share
Previous Article How To Find Accountants For Nursing Homes? Simple Tips to Get Through College without Going Broke
Next Article Monochrome wallpaper Reasons to Make It Monochrome: Black And White Wallpaper in Your Interior

Stay Connected

235.3k Followers Like
69.1k Followers Follow
11.6k Followers Pin
56.4k Followers Follow
136k Subscribers Subscribe

Ads

Latest News

WHAT DOES A CAR LOCKSMITH DO?
5 Things to Do If You Get Locked Out of The Car
Tech & Autos January 28, 2023
Leslie Jones Biography, Wiki, Net Worth, and More
Leslie Jones Biography, Wiki, and Net Worth
Entertainment January 28, 2023
Online Casino Slot for Fun, Rest, and Entertainment
What Categories Should You Judge an Online Casino On?
Entertainment January 28, 2023
Garage Door Tune Up: Tips and Tricks
Garage Door Tune Up: Tips and Tricks
Home and Garden January 28, 2023

You Might also Like

Sports

Esports Betting Instructions for League of Legends Fans

January 26, 2023
What Happened To Avalanche's Cody McLeod?
Sports

What Happened To Avalanche’s Cody McLeod?

January 25, 2023
Learning the Art of Kung Fu
Sports

Learning the Art of Kung Fu

January 20, 2023
FULL LIST: The Most Prominent Tennis Players of All Times - Male & Female in 2023
Sports

FULL LIST: The Most Prominent Tennis Players of All Times – Male & Female in 2023

January 20, 2023
Show More

© 2022 Thenewsgod. All Rights Reserved.

  • About
  • Contact Us
  • Terms of Use & Privacy Policy
  • Advertise
  • Disclaimer

Removed from reading list

Undo
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Lost your password?