Uniting fans across the globe, the world’s biggest stage returns after nearly half of a decade to Qatar. Individuals, unified by their communal love for their country and soccer, will flock to televisions and watch parties to experience the global tournament’s fixating matches. Tension has been building as fans support their teams from all over the world.
Questionable Venues
Despite the Qatar’s stadiums’ apparent safety, contractors employed slave labor to construct all eight buildings. Migrant workers were forced to work twelve hour shifts, receiving less than 6 USD per hour. Furthermore, mangers divided the workers into classes, separated by ethnicity and often prohibited from communing. Sick days went unpaid, forcing laborers to report to work in unhealthy states. These conditions often contributed to harsh injuries rarely compensated by their employers. Additionally, safety inspectors and lawyers were forbidden from representing these workers and ensuring their safety. Conditions like these have inspired mass protests among fans and activists, boycotting the tournament in an effort to shed light upon the inhumane and often animalistic treatment of these people.
Teams to Watch
Netherlands
The Dutch employ an arsenal of experienced talent and talented youth. A defensive powerhouse, the Netherlands have Liverpool center back Virgil van Dijk, Manchester City center back Nathan Ake, and Bayern half back Matthijs de Ligt. Additionally, they boast a strong midfield consisting of Barcelona’s Frankie de Jong, and PSV’s Xavi Simons. With Van Gaal’s coaching, the Dutch look to win the whole tournament.
England
Stacked with talent young and old, England has one of the best squad’s at the World Cup. However, manager Gareth Southgate has refused to substitute weak defenders off of the field. On the other hand, England poses a serious offensive threat but lack the ability to defend against the counterattack. Will Gareth Southgate take football home?
France
France are the reigning world champions, having won the last World Cup in 2018. They have, arguably, the most depth out of any team in this year’s games. Players have joked that France could send two different teams and both could rank among the favorites. Lead by striking sensation Kylian Mbappé, France look to repeat their success in the previous world cup.
Argentina
Argentina goes into the World Cup unbeaten in their last 36 games as the reigning South American Champions. Messi, often regarded as the world’s greatest player, looks to solidify his title with a World Cup victory. He leads a talented squad of Paulo Dybala, Lisandro Martinez, and Marcos Acuña to the tournament in hopes to win it all.
Germany
Having lost in the group stages in 2018, Germany returns with a strong squad. Captained by goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, Germany boasts unparalleled star power. Real Madrid’s Rudiger, and Bayern Munich’s Thomas Muller, Musiala and Sane, are key components of this talented squad. Because of this talent, the German team has a strong chance at winning the title.
Croatia
Coming in second at the last world cup, Croatia looks to continue their success at the national stage. However, last year’s European Championship proved difficult for Croatia, getting eliminated in the round of 16. Croatia’s 2018 core remains in tack, including Luka Modric, Vida and Ivan Perišić. Croatia’s aged talent looks to win a national title, bringing glory to a masterful generation.
Spain
Between 2008 and 2012, Spain had one of the greatest national squads ever assembled. However, they have quickly fallen from their glory days. Spain’s squad has some of the most talented players in the world with the likes of Barcelona’s Gavi, Pedri and Sergio Busquets. Furthermore, Ansu Fati, Laporte, Carvajal and Rodri add to the team’s star power. With a talented squad, Spain looks to win the whole thing and re-establish itself as a dominating force.
Belgium
Often regarded as a disappointment, this Belgian team has had little success at the national level but boasts a strong squad. Lead by Ballon d’Or contenders Kevin de Bruyne and Thibaut Courtois, Belgium appears to be a strong contender for a national trophy. However, time and time again, they have fallen short. Can Belgium reverse their fortunes, or will they return home as an embarrassment.
Brazil
Having the most successful history among the national teams, Brazil brings an extremely skilled squad loaded with the world’s best. Seeing little weakness in their squad, Brazil is regarded as a favorite to win the title this year. Neymar, Thiago Silva, Allison, and Casemiro are surrounded by incredibly capable players. But, with the amount of talent they have, Brazil risks a lack of teamwork. Can their talent make up for the lack of chemistry between players, or will they crack under pressure, failing because of their division.
Portugal
Portugal boasts a strong midfield with a serious offensive threat. However, defensive gaps have lead to problems when facing strong squads. Cristiano Ronaldo looks to return glory to his name after recent scandals at Manchester United. Despite Ronaldo’s stardom, Portugal coach, Fernando Santos faces the challenge of spotlighting CR7’s expertise while disguising his faults.
Senegal
Senegal has a very strong squad ahead of the World Cup. They feature Chelsea goalkeeper Édouard Mendy, Chelsea center back Kalidou Koulibaly, and Bayern Munich striker Sadio Mané. With this sort of seasoned talent, Senegal looks to break the glass ceiling of African squads, and advance past the quarter finals.
Players to Watch
Ronaldo
Arguably the greatest to ever play, Ronaldo is seen as a top prospect for the international game. He is set to break the world record for most consecutive goals in world cups at five. He has 117 goals in 191 international appearances.
Messi
This tournament is most likely his last chance to attain soccer immortality. He has won seven Ballon d’Ors and numerous club trophies. Messi has 91 career goals in 16 caps.
Modric
Another player who has aged like fine wine, Modric enters into this world cup with staggering momentum. For example, he won the MVP and FIFA player of the year awards in the last World Cup in 2018. Modric is one of the greatest midfielders ever seeking to ride into glory on one last dance.
Courtois
The Belgian goalkeeper won the Golden Glove award last world cup and is often regarded as one of the best shot stoppers today. He is a strong foundation for the Red Devils to build on if they seek to win the title.
Neymar
A technical artist, Neymar seeks to bring glory to his nation with their sixth ever title. He has scored 75 goals in 121 career, national appearances.
Mbappé
After scoring 4 goals in 2018’s tournament, Mbappé promised to be an incredibly talented young player. His speed and game intelligence is unparalleled. Because of his abilities, many think he can deliver a repeat of 2018.
Valverde
Valverde is among the world’s finest. He won the champions league and has since developed into a talented center midfielder.
Pedri
Pedri was voted the best young player in Europe last year. Justifying this award, Pedri possesses a technical masterclass while also finding passing lanes to set his teammates up for success.
Richarlison.
Richarlison is incredibly skilled player, controlling the ball with artistic beauty. He plays as a forward for Tottenham and accompanied his national team to the CONMEBOL Copa America final. Richarlison is a talented striker and looks to help his team win it all.
All games are available on Fox Sports in English, and Telemundo in Spanish.
Works cited: Washington Post “50 Players to Watch at the 2022 World Cup”; New York Times “World Cup 2022: Your Guide to the 8 Groups and 32 Teams”
