A WINTER World Cup will be like nothing we have seen before on the international stage.
Preparation has proved challenging for many countries and with the final matches before the tournament starts, all we can do now is wait.
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England’s shape may have been worrying, but it’s a pattern that’s repeating itself in some top countries.
The battle of some of the best for Qatar could make 2022 one of the most open World Cups we’ve seen in ages.
SunSport leads you through the runners and riders away from the homelands…
France
They may be the retainers, but France hardly arrives fighting for the defense of their crown.
Pressure is mounting on Didier Deschamps after just one win from six Nations League matches.
Each side with Kylian Mbappe should be considered one of the favorites, but the PSG star is prone to fallouts, which could again be the undoing of this combustible French squad at a major tournament.
It’s also a guessing game or Paul Pogbag will be ready to go or not. The midfielder returns from a knee injury a few days before the start of the World Cup.
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Brazil
Tite’s side steamed their way through qualifying without losing a single match and have been beating opponents with ease in recent weeks.
Brazil could even afford to leave Gabriel Jesus at home for the final international match period before the tournament, while Neymar will be boosted by the chance to break Pele’s Brazilian goalscoring record with just two additional goals.
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The Netherlands
Louis Van Gaal is back for one last tilt at the World Cup.
His Dutch side is the only European team unbeaten since Euro 2020, so arrive in fine condition.
Despite an array of talent, their bid could be undone by key men who endure a tough start to the season.
Virgil van Dijk has admitted he is struggling to maintain top form, while Matthijs de Ligt has lost his place on the side and Georgino Wijnaldum broke his leg last month.
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Argentina
There can hardly be a more romantic winner than Argentina.
Qatar will be Lionel Messi’s last dance at a World Cup as he chases the only title that has eluded his glittering career.
The PSG star now has a much stronger squad to lean on, with Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez and Lautauro Martinez all seriously establishing themselves since the 2018 World Cup.
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Belgium
Before each recent tournament, Belgium has been supported to finally seal a trophy for their golden generation.
Chances are it’s just too late this time.
The individual talent in Roberto Martinez’s squad is undeniable, but many stars’ knees are already beginning to crack, with defenses still made up of Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld.
They won’t lack experience, but they may struggle to keep up.
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Germany
Despite their mediocre Nations League form Germany placed at a gallop for the World Cup and cannot be written off.
As he tries to deal with a recent slump at major tournaments – they failed to make it to the group in Russia – Hansi Flick creates a sharp edge.
He can still call on the old guard with experience in winning the World Cup, while adding the spark of Jamal Musiala.
However, any injury to Joshua Kimmich could prove fatal.
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Spain
Spain is on its way back to the world stage.
They haven’t made it past the last 16 at a World Cup since they won it 12 years ago, but a place in the last four at Euro 2020 was a clear sign of progress.
Finalists in next year’s Nations League, after beating Portugal this week, Luis Enrique’s squad is peaking with a fantastic number of young stars to call on.
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Portugal
A manager blindly defending a Manchester United man who doesn’t get minutes at his club but is untouchable with his country sounds familiar, doesn’t it?
Cristiano Ronaldo and Harry Maguire may need to support each other in the weeks leading up to Qatar.
Boss Fernando Santos is holding on to his talisman amid calls to have him dropped from the side after poor performances and a belief that he is not suited to how Portugal wants to play.
It’s set up nicely for a turbo tantrum from Ron in the Middle East.
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Dark Horse – Denmark
Semi-finalists at Euro 2021 after Christian Eriksen’s tragic collapse in their opening match, Denmark is a force to be reckoned with.
They won nine of their ten qualifiers to reach Qatar and with Eriksen playing again and shining at Manchester United, this winter could be even stronger.
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