For the last four World Cups, which have spanned over 16 years, there has always been a European champion establishing European dominance for roughly two decades. From Italy, Spain, Germany, to France have all won the World Cup. This time, there were a lot of European teams that could win. Even with all of its injuries and questions, France is still, at least on paper, an excellent chance to become the first team to win the World Cup more than once since 1962.
In this article, you will discover predictions that will help you make more decisive bets and better understand the most followed sport. Moreover, if you’re interested in sports betting, you can also explore the Super Bowl odds 2023 to comprehensively understand the NFL tournament and enhance your winning odds.
Decoding the Group Stage
One might assume that twenty years of European domination would serve as a deterrent. Yet, here we see the first of many choices for a South American power. Like in 2018, the “real” final will happen in the semifinals. This time it will be a classic between the arch-rivals, Brazil and Argentina.
To get there, Messi and the rest of his team will favor France by beating Denmark in the round of 16. Four years ago, Denmark beat France in that round.
Expecting the Plot Twists
As for some small plot twists in the group stage, Canada, which is back for the first time in 36 years, will deny 2018 runner-up Croatia a spot in the next round. On the last day of the group phase, South Korea will end Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup career by beating Portugal to a spot in the round of 16.
On the other end of the bracket, I wouldn’t be astonished if Belgium made headlines in its golden era’s last run at the tournament.
A possible rematch with France in the semifinals in 2018 would give Belgium a chance to make up for past mistakes. However, it is wise to think that the Netherlands will be the team that gets the most attention.
The Dutch haven’t lost in Louis van Gaal’s last stint as manager, which includes eight games against teams going to the World Cup in the previous year. They come into Qatar with one of the best defensive layouts in the competition.
Knock-Outs! Who’s Eliminating Who!
Still, Brazil is in charge of this tournament. It’s their time to return to glory, ending the two-decade wait with such a win over a revived Germany in an actual final, where they finally get their revenge for losing 7–1. The Seleção no longer depends too much on Neymar.
Although the PSG star will blow Pelé’s all-time national goal record at the world championship, Rodrygo and Vinicius Junior will establish another Brazilian dynasty, which will be the talk of Qatar.
Other Likely Scenario
In another most likely scenario, The French are eliminated in the round of 16 by Messi’s Argentina. The Danes, fresh off a stunning run to the Euro semifinals, take Christian Eriksen’s homecoming and sprint with it all the way to the semifinals once more.
Nevertheless, Argentina has developed an outstanding team around its star striker No. 10. The team has faith in its coach Lionel Scaloni after he led it to its maiden Copa América win since 1993, ending their 3-decade wait!
Messi’s final World Cup will feature a thrilling semifinal showdown between Argentina and Brazil, but the Albiceleste will prevail as the team of destiny.
Final Thoughts
However, this time there are several complicated issues. No one will be adequately equipped. Due to an entirely new arena and, in part, a November tournament, the schedule has been exceptionally packed. Injuries and exhaustion will play a significant influence.
While both Argentina and Brazil are in good form, their coaches are prominent names, and both teams are on lengthy unbeaten streaks, neither has faced many European opponents since the last World Cup, raising questions about their actual quality.
Given all the random variables, this tournament is exceptionally difficult to anticipate.
