An exciting group stage of World Cup 2022 is slowly coming to a close and after quite a few upsets, we are in for a thrilling finale. Here is a quick overview of every group and the teams that still have a chance to make it to the knockout stage.
Group A
In their final game, the Netherlands will be looking to secure a victory and a guaranteed first place against the hosts Qatar. Qatar didn’t have a memorable performance during this World Cup as they were the only host to lose an opening game and with two losses they are clear underdogs in this matchup.
For Senegal, a victory against Ecuador is the only option while the South American side is more than comfortable with a draw. In what is predicted as a very tough match Senegal will once again be playing without their star player Mane which gives Ecuador the favorite role in this one due to the outstanding performances by Enner Valencia and his teammates.
Group B
After two draws against Wales and England, USA will need a victory against Iran, a team that has shown great resilience during the group stage. After suffering a devastating loss and conceding six goals in the opening game against England they regrouped and snatched a late victory against Wales.
Pundits are giving USA a slight advantage in this one but it will surely be a very tough competition since both teams will be seeking victory.
Wales - England
After an explosive start and 6:2 victory against Iran, England slowed down a bit in game two VS the United States and only got 1 point out of it. With one more they would secure their spot in the knockout phase but if they want to qualify from the first spot they will need a victory against Wales tonight.
Gareth Bale’s team is still in the game mathematically but they would need a very clean victory against England if they want to see the knockout phase while the Iran - USA game also resolves in their favor, which is highly unlikely but everything is possible in Football.
Group C
After a few unexpected twists in Group C we find Poland in the leading spot but it is still a very open competition. It seems that everyone in this group will be the master of their faith. Both teams will be looking to get 3 points out of this one but so much depends on the Mexico - Saudi Arabia game as well.Argentina may be a favorite on paper but their opening game showed that nothing is guaranteed so we should expect a thriller. If Messi and his teammates are serious about their World Cup conquest, now is the time to show that commitment.
Everything is at stake for both of these teams as Mexico still has some mathematical chances of staying in the competition. On the other side, Saudi Arabia has quite a few options available depending on the outcome of the Poland - Argentina clash but a victory will surely be their most favorable outcome.Mexico is still considered the better opponent in this clash but we simply can’t overlook the fact that Saudi Arabia secured a 2-1 victory over Argentina which is no small achievement.
Group D
Tunisia - France
Former world champions, France, have already secured their passage to the knockout stage but there is one last stop they need to make before that trip begins. Tunisia is theoretically still in the game but even their own fans will keep their expectations low in this clash.France is a clear favorite but even a tie will cement their leading position. Will they take it slow and save some energy for the upcoming battles? We will have to wait and see.
Australia - Denmark
Australia has everything in its hands for this final game against Denmark but both teams are clear contenders for the second spot in the group. A victory for Denmarks is the only option if they don’t want to leave the competition early while Australia will be more than happy with a draw.Picking favorites in this one is very hard but it will surely be a contest worth watching.
Group G
Many may have high expectations for Brazil this year but they did show dominance and determination in the first two matches against Serbia and Switzerland, both of which were won by Brazil. Cameroon still has a right to hope but a lot of pieces have to fall into place for them to make it out of group G.Without a doubt, Brazil is the clear favorite here but even a draw is enough to secure the leading spot.
2018 is repeating for both of these teams. Four years ago Switzerland beat Serbia in a last-minute thriller and now the stakes are the same. The Swiss side would probably be happy with a draw in this one but it is clear that both teams will be aiming for a clean victory.
Picking a favorite is really hard considering how high the stakes are.