Top 5 Group matches you can’t miss!
The opening ceremony of the FIFA World Cup 2022 will take place on November 20 (Sunday). The opening Group A match will be a face-off between hosts Qatar and Ecuador. The opening ceremony is scheduled to commence at 1400 GMT (1930 IST). The opening ceremony will be held at Al Bayt Stadium, 40 km (25 miles), north of Doha. Though FIFA is yet to announce a full list of performers, reports claim that Jungkook—one of seven members of the South Korean band BTS—will perform a track titled “Dreamers”. The other possible performers, as per reports, are the Black Eyed Peas, Robbie Williams and Nora Fatehi. Here are the top five matches to look out for this season:
1.France vs. Denmark (Group D: Saturday, November 26)
In Group D, France and Denmark are two favorites. Tunisia and Australia are expected to drop out. The result of this game is important. Its result will determine whether Tunisia gets an outside chance of sneaking in for the knockouts. If France defeats Australia and Tunisia gets to sneak a draw against Denmark in the opening game, a victory for Les Bleus in this one will guarantee them progression. Denmark will get to enter this contest as a must-win. France has Kylian Mbappe, Aurelien Tchouameni, and Hugo Lloris. They all are in decent form. Denmark has midfield duo Christian Eriksen and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, who are in good form.
2.Brazil vs. Switzerland (Group G: Monday, November 28)
Both enter Group G as the highest-ranked teams. Brazil enters the tournament as the favorite to win it all. Switzerland is expected to qualify in second place from the group. In the best-case scenario, in which both Brazil and Switzerland win their first two games of the Group Stage, this match can decide who tops the group. Brazil has Neymar, Vinicius Junior, and Alisson in good form. Switzerland has a resurgent Granit Xhaka among their ranks.
3.Argentina vs. Mexico (Group C: Sunday, November 27)
Argentina and their star-man Lionel Messi will enter the World Cup with burden of hope and expectations to lift the trophy. It could be Messi’s last appearance at the World Cup. Mexico, on the other hand, will be expected to play the fearless brand of football. Argentina has Lionel Messi, Angel di Maria, and Julian Alvarez. Mexico has Guillermo Ochoa and Hirving Lozano.
4.Spain vs. Germany (Group E: Monday, November 28)
Spain enters this FIFA World Cup as one of the underdogs as their squad is undergoing a massive overhaul under Luis Enrique. They also do not have an out-and-out striker. Germany will be in the revenge mode on Spain for defeating them in the UEFA Euro 2008 Final. They enter this World Cup as one of the favorites. Spain has Rodri and Pedri in midfield while Germany has Gnabry and Sane in attack.
5.Portugal vs. Uruguay (Group H: Tuesday, November 29)
Fans will be eagerly waiting for the match when Portugal face dark-horses Uruguay. The Portuguese camp may have been moved by the recent developments surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo. However, they have world-class players. They have a great chance of winning the World Cup. Uruguay has got the attention of fans ever since their incredible squad was announced via a video. It has some young talents. Portugal has Joao Cancelo, Bruno Fernandes, and Rafael Leao while Uruguay has Federico Valverde, Darwin Nunez, and Rodrigo Bentancur.
Players we will miss this season
PAUL POGBA (FRANCE)
Pogba injured his knee and underwent surgery to repair a damaged meniscus.
N’GOLO KANTE (FRANCE)
The Chelsea midfielder suffered a setback in his rehabilitation from a hamstring injury.
TIMO WERNER (GERMANY)
The RB Leipzig forward sustained an ankle injury during their 4-0 Champions League victory over Shakhtar Donetsk.
REECE JAMES (ENGLAND)
The 22-year-old right back injured his knee in Chelsea’s Champions League clash against AC Milan in October.
DIOGO JOTA (PORTUGAL)
The Liverpool forward will miss the tournament due to a calf injury.
ARTHUR MELO (BRAZIL)
Liverpool’s on-loan midfielder witnessed a muscle injury in October.
