2 years ago
As the FIFA World Cup 2022, which will be held in Qatar, approaches, here are the countries on which fans have placed bets to win the trophy.
All roads would lead to Qatar for football fans and lovers worldwide as the biggest sporting event or competition, FIFA World Cup, would begin on November 20th, 2022; fans have taken their excitement to the next level as predictions for who would win the coveted trophy have begun.
This is why, using data provided by BR Football, we at NotJustOk compiled a list of the top countries on which fans have placed bets to win the trophy.
10. Netherlands 3%
The Dutch team received 3% of bets to win the World Cup in 2022; this is not surprising given the squad and the coach in charge, Luis Van Gaal.
The Netherlands has influential and world-class players who can help them win the trophy. Players such as Frenkie De Jong, Memphis Depay, and Virgil Van Dijk, to name a few, play on the biggest stages at the club level. Fans hope that their impressive form in the UEFA Nations League can be replicated in the tournament.
Portugal 4%
I'm surprised that fans and bettors have lost faith in the Portuguese team. Portugal, led by the legend Cristiano Ronaldo, would be looking to challenge for the title, and according to BR Football, 4% of punters believe they can go far in the competition.
This is the strongest Portuguese side we've seen in a long time, with huge talents from various club levels coming together to form a formidable side. Stars such as Joao Cancelo, Pepe, Leao, Bruno Fernandez, Dalot, Cristiano Ronaldo, Ruis Patricio, and Nunes, to name a few, would be crucial in determining how far the country can advance in the competition.
Belgium 4%
According to BR Football, the world number two has 4% of football fans betting on them to win the FIFA World Cup in 2022. This is not surprising given Belgium's poor performance thus far. Despite having a star-studded squad that includes Eden Hazard, Kevin De Bruyne, Thibaut Courtois, Trossad, Romelu Lukaku, Mertens, and Youri Tielemans, to name a few, Roberto Martinez has yet to put together the perfect squad that can be clinical and ruthless at the same time.
The World Cup in Qatar might just be the right place to get it right, with some of the squad's biggest names on the verge of retirement.
With some of the squad's biggest names on the verge of retirement following their third-place finish in the 2018 World Cup, the World Cup in Qatar may just be the right place to get it right.
7. Germany 5%
A relatively young German squad would face the World Cup challenge, and 5% of football fans have placed their trust and money in the team, which Hans Flick would lead to victory.
Germany has not played its best football so far, with the former Bayern Munich coach still attempting to place the right players in the right positions; the competition in Qatar may be the best time to get the best of youngsters like Musiala, Kai Havertz, and Leroy Sane, to name a few, as well as the dedication and best from the squad's experienced players such as Thomas Muller, Antonio Rudiger, Toni Kroos, and Manuel Neuer.
5. Spain 6%
Former champions under the mentorship and coaching of Luis Enrique would be looking to rekindle the Spanish passion that their teams are known for. After a poor showing in 2018, Spain will be looking to turn the tide, and 6% of fans believe they will win the World Cup in Qatar in 2022.
The omission of Sergio Ramos from the squad has elicited mixed reactions, as his leadership, passion, and tenacity for his country are unparalleled in the Spanish team.
5. England 6%
6% of football fans believe England can win the World Cup in 2022. The English boy finished fourth in the 2018 edition of the competition and recently advanced to the finals of the Euros 2020; Gareth Southgate and his players will be looking to maintain this impressive form and challenge for the title.
England suffered major injury blows when Chelsea stars Reece James and Ben Chilwell were ruled out of the competition until December 2022.
3. France (11%).
France, the current world champions, have 11% of football fans believing they will successfully defend their title at the World Cup 2022. This may be impossible for Didier Deschamps' men because they will be missing the iconic midfield partnership of N'Golo Kante and Paul Pogba, who helped the French side outperform every other team in 2018.
Despite the addition of 2022 Ballon d'Or winner Karim Benzema, the midfield's creativity would be solely reliant on the Real Madrid duo Camavinga and Aurélien Tchouameni, with all eyes on Deschamps to see how well this works.
3. USA 11%
This is a shocking statistic: 11% of football fans bet on the USMNT to win the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Due to the team's lack of experience, the squad would be scrutinized.
The USMNT would like to make a statement in the competition while also matching the achievements of the USWNT over the years.
2. Brazil 15%
The Olympic gold medalists in 2022 would be looking to bring the trophy back home once again.
1. Argentina 25%
Brazil, the South American side and world number one according to FIFA rankings, saw 15% of football fans place bets on them to win the FIFA World Cup 2022, which is not surprising given Brazil's impressive run thus far and the vast dynamics and talents in the squad. Brazil, which suffered a humiliating defeat at the hands of Germany, would be hoping to turn the tide and establish itself as one of the world's most powerful footballing nations.
With an in-form Neymar, Gabriel Jesus, the runs and skills of Vini Jr. and Rodrygo, and a solid defense in Thiago Silva and Dani Alves, the Brazilian side appears to be a team that will run riot in the competition.
The Olympic gold medalists in 2022 will be hoping to bring the trophy home once more.
1. Argentina 25%
Argentina, the Copa America and UEFA Finalissima champions, had 25% of football fans betting on them to win the FIFA World Cup in 2022. It is no secret that Argentina's compact and ruthless team, led by Lionel Messi, has been tipped to win the competition, as the world number three according to FIFA rankings, has continued to demonstrate in friendlies and international competitions that they mean business.
This would be the final World Cup appearance for players such as Lionel Messi, Angel Di Maria, Nicolas Otamendi, and others; expectations are high because many believe this is the best Argentine team in a long time.
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