Brazil fielding best team since winning it all in 2002

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This article was published 19/11/2022 (1367 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Today, we take a good, hard look at groups E, F, G and H at the 2022 World Cup, set to begin Sunday in Qatar.

GROUP E: Costa Rica, Germany, Japan, Spain

These four would concoct a compelling group at most World Cups. That each is undergoing a generational shift makes it all the more tantalizing. For example, only four players remain from Germany’s World Cup-winning squad of 2014. Spain, meanwhile, have opted for youth over experience, with exactly half their group aged 25 years old or younger. Costa Rica have debuted 22 new internationals in less than a year-and-a-half, and Japan have somehow meshed a veteran group with an up-and-coming core.

THE FAVOURITES

Spain’s rather surprising squad announcement confirmed Germany as Group E favourites, but there was always reason to believe the four-time world champions were about to turn the corner. The question now is whether manager Hansi Flick is brave enough to displace some big names with the likes of Jamal Musiala, Karim Adeyemi or Youssoufa Moukoko.

THE HEROES

Costa Rica goalkeeper Keylor Navas has shown, time and again, that he’s capable of stealing points on his own. Spain desperately need Pedri to reprise his EURO 2020 performance, and Reims speedster Junya Ito will open up channels for Japan.

THE SURPRISES

If manager Luis Enrique can successfully implement his vision with Spain, look out. At the same time, Japan will sense an opportunity here. In Ito, Daichi Kamada and Takefusa Kubo they have a playmaking trio at once creative and explosive.

THE KEY MATCH

Spain-Germany, Nov. 27: The big one. Neither will want to go into Matchday Three requiring a win.

THE ABSENTEES

Marco Reus, Germany; Timo Werner, Germany; Rio Miyaichi, Japan; Yuta Nakayama, Japan; Mikel Oyarzabal, Spain; Kepa Arrizabalaga, Spain

GROUP F: Belgium, Canada, Croatia, Morocco

Canada’s first World Cup match in more than 36 years will kick off at Wednesday at 1 p.m. (CT) at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium in Al Rayyan. They’re bound to feel the weight of the moment, but it’s absolutely crucial that they don’t concede multiple goals early on. Belgium have looked fragile in recent outings, which is why the domestic press have started to sour on them. In other words, there’s an opportunity here. Should Canada take it — and a point would be enough — the round of 16 will come into view.

THE FAVOURITES

Croatia manager Zlatko Dalic has deftly fused an experienced group that finished runners-up in Russia with a younger, more versatile set of players — particularly across the back-line, where Josko Gvardiol (20) and Josip Stutalo (22) have established an intimidating partnership. The Blazers won their Nations League section this autumn, topping Denmark, France and Austria.

THE HEROES

Belgium will go only as far as star playmaker Kevin de Bruyne can take them. Croatia’s Luka Modric, still one of world football’s elite midfielders, remains Croatia’s heartbeat. Canada, too, have a top player in the centre of the park. Stephen Eustaquio reads the game exceptionally well and was named September Midfielder of the Month in Portugal’s Primeira Liga.

THE SURPRISES

Morocco might have been a dark-horse, what with the ability in their squad, but a managerial merry-go-round has probably damaged their prospects beyond repair. Canada could spring a surprise in Group F, but a round of 16 showdown with one of Spain and Germany would await.

THE KEY MATCH

Canada-Morocco, Dec. 1: Permutations will likely abound, but the fact is Canada will need three points from Morocco to reach the knockout stages.

THE ABSENTEES

Alexis Saelemaekers, Belgium; Maxime Crepeau, Canada; Doneil Henry, Canada; Scott Kennedy, Canada; Amine Harit, Morocco

GROUP G: Brazil, Cameroon, Serbia, Switzerland

Brazil go to Qatar with their best team since 2002 — the most recent of their record five World Cups. But they’re also part of a section laid with obstacles and traps. They won’t have an easy game. First up are Serbia, who recently earned promotion to UEFA Nations League A and are confident enough to think they can beat the South Americans. Switzerland follow, fresh of a string of wins over Portugal, Spain and Czechia. Then come free-scoring Cameroon, who knocked off Arab Cup champions Algeria in a qualification play-off. This is truly a Group of Death, and Brazil will have to be at their best to stay alive.

THE FAVOURITES

Brazil are ranked No.1 in the world for a reason. Yes, there are weaknesses, most notably at full-back, but their attacking depth is simply next-level. If manager Tite can strike a balance up top, Brazil will win the World Cup.

THE HEROES

Neymar needs just three more goals to surpass Pele on Brazil’s all-time list. Serbia’s Sergej Milinkovic-Savic is among the sport’s best all-around midfielders, and Granit Xhaka is a reliable anchor for Switzerland in the centre of the park.

THE SURPRISES

Serbia could catch a number of teams off guard. From Nikola Milenkovic to Milinkovic-Savic and towering striker Dusan Vlahovic, manager Dragan Stojkovic has an exceptional core to build around.

THE KEY MATCH

Serbia-Switzerland, Dec. 2: This could very well be a playoff game with a berth in the round of 16 at stake.

THE ABSENTEES

Uros Spajic, Serbia; Steven Zuber, Switzerland

GROUP H: Ghana, Portugal, South Korea, Uruguay

He may be the top all-time goal-scorer in men’s international football, but Cristiano Ronaldo has never had a particularly good World Cup. He scored only once in each of the 2006, 2010 and 2014 tournaments, and while he bagged a hat-trick against Spain in Russia, his Portugal side lost to Uruguay in the round of 16. Now, with an exceptional team around him, the 37-year-old can’t seem to stop bringing controversy upon himself. Most recently, he criticized club employers Manchester United—remarks that put him on icy terms with Red Devils and Portugal teammate Bruno Fernandes.

THE FAVOURITES

Portugal manager Fernando Santos has been outspoken in his belief that the 2016 European Champions can win a first World Cup next month. And he has no shortage of reasons why: namely Fernandes, Ruben Dias, Bernardo Silva, Rafael Leao and, yes, Ronaldo.

THE HEROES

Inaki Williams only declared for Ghana in July, having represented Spain at youth level. He’s enjoying a good season with Athletic Bilbao and will look to score his first Black Stars goal in Qatar. South Korea talisman Son Heung-min won the Premier League’s Golden Boot last season but is racing against time after recent eye surgery.

THE SURPRISES

This is the last hurrah for Uruguay legends Luis Suarez, Edinson Cavani, Diego Godin and Fernando Muslera. But La Celeste’s real difference-makers could be midfielders Rodrigo Bentancur, Federico Valverde and Giorgian de Arrascaeta.

THE KEY MATCH

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Portugal-Ghana, Nov. 24: Santos will know early on if Ronaldo can be effective. The adjustments he makes, or doesn’t make, after the tournament opener will be vital.

THE ABSENTEES

Jojo Wollacott, Ghana; Diogo Jota, Portugal; Pedro Neto, Portugal; Ricardo Periera, Portugal; Won Du-jae, South Korea

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