After four long years, the FIFA World Cup is back for its latest edition. The biggest sporting event in the world is sure to send us into ecstasy with the biggest superstars, biggest players, and the best teams competing against each other to decide who will lift the coveted Golden Trophy. Held in Qatar, it is the first time the tournament is conducted in the Arab World and also the first time the World Cup is held in between the footballing calendar.
Amidst all the controversies regarding human rights abuses, alcohol bans, anti LGBTQ, and overtly conservative laws in place it is important to point out that it feels like just another racist tirade by the left. The deaths of countless South Asian workers in inhumane working conditions in order to construct the stadiums is something Qatar will eventually have to answer for. However, any action that had to be taken should have been taken years ago. All countries including the South Asian nations kept their silence due to the money involved. Qatar being an Islamic nation has laws against alcohol consumption and LGBTQ rights. Even Women’s rights is restricted. However, this is a known fact that the Arab world is conservative and regardless people have been immigrating to the middle east for decades in search of opportunities while following these laws. Maybe the alcohol ban has caused the Europeans to start their protests…after all beverage brands like Heineken and Budweiser are major sponsor in most sporting leagues in Europe.
But getting back to the tournament and keeping all the politics aside, it is time to get ready for some intense international footballing action. Most of the groups are balanced and the top 2 who will qualify for the Round of 16 seems pretty obvious. However we can expect some surprises since all the teams have strong squads who are capable of pushing each other all the way.
Let us take a look at the groups and my predictions for who will qualify for the Round of 16:
Group A (Qatar, Ecuador, Senegal, Netherlands) – Netherlands are easily the strongest team in this group and are sure to qualify. Senegal are the reigning African champions and are well poised to make it through despite the absence of Sadio Mane. Hosts Qatar and Ecuador should give a tough fight but are the underdogs in the group.
Predictions – Netherlands and Senegal through to Ro16
Group B (England, Iran, USA, Wales) – England are the clear favorites with one of the strongest squads in the competition. USA and Wales both have strong squads but Iran are more likely to enter the next round as the highest ranked side in Asia. Iran are one of those teams capable of challenging any European side. However expect USA and Wales to pull off surprises.
Predictions – England and Iran through to Ro16
Group C (Argentina, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, Poland) – This is admittedly a tricky group with three strong teams. Argentina should make it through as they have been on a roll for over two years. The reigning South American champions are unbeaten in 36 games and have the GOAT Lionel Messi playing for them. Mexico have been a regular fixture in previous world cups and have a more balanced squad than Poland. However with Robert Lewandowski, Poland are capable of pulling off surprises.
Predictions – Argentina and Poland through to Ro16
Group D (France, Australia, Denmark, Tunisia) – The reigning world champions have a powerful squad despite the absence of Kante, Pogba, and now Benzema. With a young squad and plenty of superstars, France are one of the favorites to win the cup. Australia and Denmark have relatively strong sides with Denmark capable of even beating France on their day. The Danes did reach the semi finals of the Euros last year. The results from this group are more or less easy to guess.
Predictions – France and Denmark through to Ro16
Group E (Spain, Costa Rica, Germany, Japan) – This is the closest we will get to a group of death. All four teams have strong squads capable of beating each other with Spain and Germany in particular looking dangerous. The 2010 and 2014 champions have an abundance of talent and their tactics ensure good attacking displays from their players. The clash between the two is sure to be THE fixture of the group stages. Japan and Costa Rica are not here to make up the numbers and will surely push the two European countries all the way.
Predictions – Spain and Germany through to Ro16
Group F (Belgium, Canada, Morocco, Croatia) – Belgium reached the semi finals last time, beating Brazil along the way. While they have a world class squad, they always tend to falter in the big tournaments. Croatia were the runner ups in Russia 2018 and should make it through to the next round. Canada and Morocco are not teams usually present in the world cup and should be interesting to watch.
Predictions – Belgium and Croatia through to Ro16
Group G (Brazil, Serbia, Switzerland, Cameroon) – Brazil have one of the most exciting teams in the tournament with one of the best midfields available. The five time champions have struggled since their last tournament win in 2002 and will be hoping to forget their Copa America loss last year. Switzerland, Serbia, and Cameroon have good squads with the Swizz in particular capable of producing an upset.
Predictions – Brazil and Switzerland through to Ro16
Group H (Portugal, Ghana, Uruguay, South Korea) – Another tricky group with four strong teams. Portugal have the GOAT Cristiano Ronaldo as well as a team full of world class talent. Uruguay also have a strong side with many players playing for the top teams in Europe. Ghana are one of the strongest teams in Africa and should provide some decent competition. South Korea have a decent squad and a forward line bolstered by Tottenham star forward Son Hueng-min. It should be noted that South Korea knocked out Germany in the group stages in 2018. This group is sure to provide some intense drama.
Predictions – Portugal and Uruguay through to Ro16
While the favorites to reach the Ro16 may seem obvious, expect some surprises to pile up as each team battles it out for the World Cup. After all they aren’t here just to make up the numbers. This is possibly the last time we get to see many legends of the game including Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi, Luka Modric, and Manuel Neur in a world cup. Let us hope this tournament provides us with a satisfying conclusion to their journey.
Very interesting. Predictions can be tough. But this appears scientific. Let’s watch
Very detailed insight, technically analysis found to be appropriate, but in big events there will be surprises and upsetting the table from underdogs but favourites will move on.
Very well written. Let us see how your predictions come out.
Science of Prediction & Art of playing ( Skills) will determine the fortune 🔮
Games are about to begin, and we couldn’t be more excited to see all the ups and the downs, and unforgettable moments that are about to unfold.
Unfortunately in football no amount of scientific prediction is enough to accurately determine the result. Thats what makes it so exciting
Interesting. Well analysed. Teams have practiced well. Some unexpected teams may pull off surprises.
Let us hope so. It adds to the excitement
Excellent Prophecy for the different teams and detailed content which created more excitement about the tournament.
Thank you!
ok seems probable. also predict quaterfinala and semis
I’ll do that once the group stages are done
Well analysed predictions for all the groups. Let’s see the outcome. Best wishes.
Thank you!
Very nice analysis based on the strength of teams n star players.
Thank you!
Yes, world cup fever has begun all around! Amazing that a small country is holding a very big tournament showing its zeal and enthusiasm.
It is a very thoughtful analysis covering all aspects , mini SWOT analysis!
Thank you!
Nice to see that the statistical knowledge storehouse has been used in the predictions. Each prediction is supported by logic and make sense. Hat’s off for bringing out a Good analysis and let us see how this magic works in the field. Best wishes.
Thank you!
Last para gives me a sad feeling, World Cup for many star players 🙁 Predictions for round 16 at the start itself is difficult to make and exciting to follow with each passing game.. Not too many underdogs are chosen… Let’s see how it comes out and to make further for Semis to Finals ahead.
Underdogs always stand a chance. But I think my predictions should stand
Predictions appear to be correct . Eagerly waiting to watch this exciting World Cup and some super matches
Thank you!
Prediction is on expected line.But upsets are bound to happen.To me…. USA will scrape through along with England in Group B.Similarly Cameroon and Brazil in Group B.
I think Iran still hold some surprises. In Brazil’s group, Serbia are also strong
Prediction being the tougher part and fair analysis around all possible outcome… Game started and Ecuador is playing well… FIFA Cup bound to capture maximum eyeballs for sure..
For sure
I appreciate the detailed analysis. Only in a few groups, my predictions differ. Group B: England & Wales; Group C: the second team could be Mexico. Group G: Cameroon could give a tough fight to Switzerland.
Group B: Wales could definitely make it
Group C: Either of Mexico or Poland. Poland have a stronger team
Group G: I may have underestimated Serbia.
Wonderful analysis in detail based on their strength .
Thank you!
Looking forward to some great matches.
It is tough to predict…but in the article the analysis and the predictions have a strong logic. Let ‘s keep our fingers crossed and watch the matches.
Thank you!
Wow !! World Cup fever !
The world’s Greatest show on the earth has started…..
The Prediction of pool winners is nicely done based on strength of each side .
I really appreciate the analysis.. Let us enjay each side .. each shot …
Thank you!
In-depth analysis of each group with predictions made the article a daily read! Gave a broader picture on the both sides of the sport and geo cultural issues of the host. Keep up the good work !!
Thank you!
Grt article. Amazing analysis. I am sure most of the predictions will be true. Very interesting 👏👏👏
Thank you!
Great analysis..very deep observations.
My interest in the Tournament has increased multifold to follow the game. After going thro this . Keep blogging.