World Cup 2022: Predictions And Favorites

The 2022 FIFA World Cup, held in Qatar, was a thrilling tournament filled with upsets, memorable moments, and of course, plenty of debate about who would ultimately lift the coveted trophy. Predicting the winner of any World Cup is notoriously difficult, but that didn't stop fans and pundits alike from making their forecasts. Let's dive into the pre-tournament predictions, the actual contenders, and how the eventual champion defied many expectations.

Pre-Tournament Favorites: Who Were the Top Picks?

Before the first ball was even kicked, several teams were consistently mentioned as potential champions. These favorites were often based on factors like current FIFA ranking, recent form, squad quality, and historical performance in the World Cup. Let's examine some of the teams that were widely considered to be among the frontrunners:

• Brazil: The Seleção always carries the weight of expectation, and 2022 was no different. Boasting a star-studded squad led by Neymar, Vinícius Júnior, and a host of other world-class players, Brazil entered the tournament as the number-one ranked team in the world. Their attacking prowess and strong midfield made them a popular pick among many experts. Historically, Brazil's success in the World Cup is unmatched, further fueling the belief that they were strong contenders. Their pre-tournament form was also impressive, winning convincingly in the qualifiers and showcasing their dominance in South American football. However, the pressure of being favorites can sometimes be a burden, and the World Cup stage is known for its unpredictability.
• Argentina: Led by the legendary Lionel Messi, Argentina arrived in Qatar with a burning desire to finally deliver a World Cup trophy for their captain. Coming off a Copa America victory in 2021, La Albiceleste had built a strong team spirit and tactical identity under coach Lionel Scaloni. Messi's form leading up to the tournament was exceptional, and many believed that this could be his last chance to win the one major trophy that had eluded him throughout his illustrious career. The team also featured talented players like Lautaro Martínez and Ángel Di María, providing Messi with ample support in attack. Argentina's passionate fanbase added another layer of expectation, making them one of the most closely watched teams in the tournament. Despite a shocking opening match loss, they were still considered a major threat.
• France: As the defending champions, France possessed a squad brimming with talent, including the likes of Kylian Mbappé, Karim Benzema (though he unfortunately had to withdraw due to injury), and Antoine Griezmann. Despite some injury concerns and a slightly underwhelming performance in the UEFA Nations League, Les Bleus were still considered a force to be reckoned with. Their experience in winning the previous World Cup in 2018 gave them a psychological edge, and their depth in all positions made them capable of overcoming challenges. Mbappé's electrifying pace and finishing ability made him a constant threat to opposing defenses, and Griezmann's versatility and work rate were invaluable to the team's overall balance. France's coach, Didier Deschamps, had a proven track record of success, further solidifying their status as one of the favorites.
• England: After reaching the semi-finals in 2018 and the final of Euro 2020, England had established themselves as a consistent contender on the international stage. With a young and exciting squad featuring players like Harry Kane, Raheem Sterling, and Jude Bellingham, The Three Lions were hoping to finally bring football home. Gareth Southgate's tactical approach had brought stability and structure to the team, and their strong team spirit was evident in their performances. England's attacking firepower and solid defense made them a dangerous opponent for any team. The expectation from the English fans was high, but the team seemed well-prepared to handle the pressure.
• Spain: Under the guidance of Luis Enrique, Spain had undergone a period of transition, incorporating young talents like Pedri and Gavi into the squad. Their possession-based style of play, reminiscent of their golden era, made them a difficult team to break down. While they may have lacked the star power of some of the other favorites, their collective strength and tactical discipline made them a serious contender. Spain's ability to control the tempo of the game and dominate possession was a key asset, and their young players brought a fresh energy to the team.

The Underdogs and Dark Horses: Teams That Surprised Us

While the established powerhouses often dominate the headlines, the World Cup is also a stage for underdogs to make their mark. These are the teams that defy expectations, upset the established order, and capture the hearts of fans with their spirited performances. Several teams in the 2022 World Cup played this role:

• Morocco: The biggest surprise of the tournament, Morocco became the first African team to ever reach the semi-finals of a World Cup. Their incredible defensive resilience, tactical discipline, and unwavering team spirit saw them defeat European giants like Spain and Portugal. Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou was a standout performer, making crucial saves throughout the tournament. Morocco's success was a testament to their hard work, organization, and belief in themselves. Their journey inspired fans across Africa and the Arab world.
• Japan: The Samurai Blue once again proved their quality on the world stage, topping a group that included both Spain and Germany. Their disciplined defending and clinical counter-attacking were key to their success. Japan's ability to upset the odds and compete with the best teams in the world is a testament to their footballing development.
• Croatia: Despite not being considered a pre-tournament favorite by everyone, Croatia once again demonstrated their resilience and tactical nous. Led by the experienced Luka Modrić, they reached the semi-finals for the second consecutive World Cup, knocking out Brazil in the process. Croatia's ability to grind out results and perform under pressure is a hallmark of their team.
• South Korea: Reaching the round of 16, South Korea, led by Tottenham star Son Heung-min, showed glimpses of brilliance and were a joy to watch. They defeated Portugal in the group stage and showed a fighting spirit that made them a memorable team in the tournament.

The Actual Champion: Defying Expectations

In the end, it was Argentina who triumphed, defeating France in a thrilling final that went all the way to penalties. While they were considered one of the favorites, their journey was far from smooth. The opening match defeat against Saudi Arabia raised doubts, but they responded with a series of impressive performances, culminating in their historic victory.

• Lionel Messi's crowning moment: The tournament will forever be remembered as the moment Lionel Messi finally lifted the World Cup trophy. His performances throughout the tournament were exceptional, scoring crucial goals and providing assists. It was the perfect ending to his illustrious career and cemented his legacy as one of the greatest footballers of all time.
• Scaloni's tactical masterclass: Coach Lionel Scaloni deserves immense credit for building a cohesive and well-organized team. His tactical flexibility and ability to adapt to different opponents were key to Argentina's success.
• Team spirit and determination: Argentina's victory was built on a foundation of strong team spirit and unwavering determination. The players fought for each other and for their country, demonstrating a level of commitment that was truly inspiring.

The 2022 World Cup was a tournament full of surprises and memorable moments. While the pre-tournament favorites played a significant role, it was the underdogs and the eventual champion, Argentina, who truly captured our imagination. The beautiful game continues to deliver drama, excitement, and unforgettable stories, and the 2022 World Cup will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the most thrilling editions in history.

Predicting the winner of a World Cup is always a risky business, but the joy of the tournament lies in the unexpected twists and turns, the emergence of new stars, and the celebration of the beautiful game at its finest. The 2022 World Cup provided all of that and more.