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fifa world cup 2022: game 1

11/20/2022

Qatar vs. Ecuador
0-2

That was not the Qatar I was expecting to see. Qatar is a good side. Prior to this tournament, I was even "bragging" to an extent of how good this Qatar team is. Not today. That was disappointing. The pressure was obviously getting to them. Could be wrong, I was slightly turned away, but it seemed as though a Qatari player threw the ball into the opposition. Whatever the case, Qatar had a bad game. Period. The upside for Qatar is that it's a better team than this. The downside is that, based on this game, Netherlands will destroy them. That was already the presumption. So Qatar needed good games against Ecuador and Senegal to escape the group. For now, with a bad game against Ecuador, Qatar is in trouble. Next up will be Netherlands and Senegal.

What did Qatar do wrong? How can it improve? Essentially, Qatar's possession was nonexistent. This is the team's strong suit: possession! Go figure. Without two-man game connections on possession, Qatar was losing the ball in one-on-one situations where the dribbling was practically nonexistent as well. Regain possession, which is the team's strength, and better scoring chances should arrive.

fifa world cup 2022: GROUP H

10/31/2022

FIFA World Cup 2022
Group H: The Forgotten Group?

Group H:

Portugal
Ghana
Uruguay
South Korea

Portugal, with Ronaldo’s last stand, will more than likely escape this group. While some may overlook Group H, it might hold the attention of aficionados in that Portugal has some stiff competition, albeit less than exciting competition.

Ghana has captured the world’s attention as a program on the rise, and a major foe—in past years—to the United States. Outside of squashing American World Cup dreams, Ghana hasn’t yet done the same to other nations on its quest to World Cup greatness. The problem for Ghana in Group H is that it’s not a clear favorite; Uruguay and South Korea are equal opponents and it’s anyone’s game to advance.

Uruguay, luckily, has Suarez, one of the leading forwards in the world. Without Suarez, Uruguay’s in big trouble. However, with a new coach that sees the game with an offensive mind, Uruguay’s fortunes may soon be changing. In recent World Cup history, Uruguay has been an extremely dull team to watch. Hopefully, with a twist in the coaching department, things will look more prosperous. This group is very equal though, so Uruguay, the big U, has its hands full.

South Korea—led by Superstar Son Heung-min—is hoping to shock the world with a deep run in Qatar. It starts in Group H. For South Korea, this is a problem because all the teams in this group are very level. No one has an edge. What South Korea has to create a wedge is a phenomenally ambitious group that plays with physicality, perseverance, and fortitude.

As to which teams will escape this group: Even Portugal—the 2016 Euro winner—is fighting for a spot. This might not be the “group of death” but this is a very competitive one nonetheless.

fifa world cup 2022: group g

10/31/2022

FIFA World Cup 2022
Group G: Who will Stop Brazil?

Group G:

Brazil
Serbia
Switzerland
Cameroon

Who will stop Brazil? Well, probably no one in this group. However, don’t be fooled. These are quality sides that can put up a fight and if Brazil has a bad game—which is possible—you never know. The most likely to stand up to Brazil? It would probably go: Serbia, Switzerland, then Cameroon—in that order. Brazil has too much quality across the board. Watch for Neymar and company to ease into the Round of 16 with goals, creativity, and swagger.

Serbia has its eye on being number two here. It needs to have strong showings against Switzerland and Cameroon, obviously, but it needs to pull out wins with these teams. This goal is overwhelmingly possible as the Serbians play with skill and passion. It’s a national team with a lot to prove and Group G could easily be a chance to show how good it is.

Switzerland is steady on top of steady. If you want steady: go to Switzerland. This team will not wow you with skill or dribbling or fancy play. It’s a group that wears down its opponent with consistency in every position. Scoring goals will be an obvious issue for the Swiss.

Cameroon could, once and for all, be the “Cameroon of 1990” and shock the world with stellar play! In 1990, for those who don’t know, Cameroon—as led off the bench by an aging Superstar, Roger Milla—came oh so close to reaching the semi-finals. Might this team do the same? Are the semi-finals within reach? Tough to call. But probably not this time around. This isn’t to say Cameroon is a bad team. It’s quite good, actually. However, Brazil, Serbia, and Switzerland are tough opponents standing in the way, early on.

fifa world cup 2022: group f

10/31/2022

FIFA World Cup 2022
Group F: A Walk in the Park for Belgium and Croatia?

Group F:

Belgium
Canada
Morocco
Croatia

Belgium should come out on top. If not, count on Croatia. One might think it’s going to be those two leading the way. This will likely be the case. Eden Hazard and De Bruyne are too colossally good, as are their teammates. Count Belgium in for the next round.

Canada is fast. Davies and Buchanan are two of the fastest players in the whole tournament. Keep an eye on them. This group can light up a sideline run in a heartbeat. Will this be enough to sneak into the next round? Probably not but crazier things have happened. Don’t count Canada out too fast!

Morocco, in theory, should have a leg up on Canada. Yet, Morocco tends to disappoint. Without steady scoring, this team could be in big trouble. As such, Canada—of all countries—might have an open window to sneak into the Round of 16. Therefore, a big match between Morocco and Canada will occur, considering that Croatia or Belgium have some bad luck.

Croatia is guided by many good players, notably Luka Modric—an elite talent. He’ll push the squad forward with exquisite passing on the level of Platini in his prime. Croatia is full of creative bursts, passionate fans, scoring opportunities, and lively spirit. It’s a team to watch. Baring any bad luck, this Croatian squad should most likely enter the Round of 16 with Belgium.

While Belgium and Croatia will lead the way, keep an eye on Canada. The speed it possesses will be interesting to see at this level. If you think speed is essential for soccer success, then you’ve got it with Canada. Buchanan is probably the fastest player in CONCACAF. The order would go like this:

Fastest in CONCACAF (currently)

Buchanan (Canada)
Lozano (Mexico)
Davies (Canada)

Canada might have some catching up to do with respect to skill and technique, but this team will be very fascinating to watch in Qatar!

fifa world cup 2022: group e

10/31/2022

FIFA World Cup 2022
Group E: Japan’s Big Chance!

Group E:

Spain
Costa Rica
Germany
Japan

Spain is more than likely going to advance, alongside Germany, into the next round. The Spanish passing engine is better than ever, things are looking good, and this is going to be a cruise-control expedition of elegance for millions of Spanish fans that will be eagerly awaiting the knockout rounds.

Costa Rica. Who are we kidding? Get your bags ready, board the plane, and head home! This won’t last long. Costa Rica is good but this group is not looking prosperous for Cosa Rican fans. No disrespect to Costa Ricans, but this group stage is going to be merely a formality of three losses in a row. The problem with Costa Rica is that Ruiz and Campbell have “lost their fastball” in recent years. Due to age and injury, these two phenoms, who are quite extraordinary talents, aren’t what they used to be. And frankly, the team is riding on their expertise. Without them, this group is a well-intentioned plane ticket waiting to happen. Predictions. Germany will win 5-0. Spain will win 5-0. Japan will win 1-0.

Germany, like Spain, should waltz through onto the next round. Germany is powerful, well-equipped with superb passing, strong defense, and the finishing touch of the speedster Timo Werner. Outside of mentioning every Superstar on the team, this is a group expected to go far this tournament. Spain will present an obstacle. Costa Rica will be an easy win. And Japan will be a very fascinating opponent.

Japan—who has a ton of talent, including that of Takumi Minamino—is the clear wild card. While Costa Rica is expected to lose big, and lose big it will, Japan has a few tricks up its sleeve. The question is: can the Japanese manage to pull an upset over Spain or Germany? It’s very possible as Japan has emerged as one of Asia’s top talents in the past 20-30 years. Japan makes this group extremely interesting and it should cause a lot of worry for Spain and Germany.

Spain and Germany are tournament leaders. Expect these two to lead the group. However, when you have big expectations you might, from time to time, have some problems. Don’t mention the failure of World Cup 2018 to Germany. However, that bad experience should serve as great motivation for this team of all-stars in 2022. Japan will likely come in third place, while Costa Rica inevitably will finish last. But there’s something about Costa Rica. As they say, you never know. In fact, Costa Rica might just be the most interesting to watch as it has a lot to prove. Does it belong? Is it good enough to be here? Can it qualify for the Round of 16? I say no. But you never know. What’s more, Japan is a program on route to greatness; it needs a big break at the World Cup level to move closer to the ultimate goal: a World Cup title. So, watch for Japan as a team on the brink of something special. The problem for Japan this time around is that it has some fierce competition. Back to Spain and Germany: a standard of greatness for teams like Japan to catch up to. Spain and Germany are expected to reach the semis. These early matches will be a hint of things to come for Spain and Germany. Most fans just assume the semis are waiting for Germany, and probably Spain. Though it’s never guaranteed. How far can each team go? This group will provide many clues.

fifa world cup 2022: group d

10/31/2022

FIFA World Cup 2022
Group D: More Exciting Than You Think!

Group D:

France
Australia
Denmark
Tunisia

France—with Griezmann and Mbappe—is easily a tournament favorite. You would think it’ll have no difficulty getting out of its group. Don’t speak too fast. France has a shaky, yet surprisingly successful, grip on past World Cups. The two-time champs, and defending champs, have done exceedingly well (1998, 2018), and quite terribly (2002, 2010). While the French should escape, the opposition is eager to make waves.

Australia is one of those programs, screaming with potential, that could someday very soon be a World Cup contender. The Aussies have made huge strides in international soccer in the past 20-30 years and this trend is only getting stronger by the minute. Be very cautious of this as it’s on the brink of something great. In league with Japan, the US, Saudi Arabia, and Mexico, Australia is a group to watch.

Denmark is class personified. This short-passing bunch should likely do well, but it has a tough three games facing it with France, Australia, and Tunisia. However, an odds-maker would expect the Danes to move into the Round of 16.

Tunisia is a bit of a wild card. This team, whose passing game is technically sound, with quick connections darting around the field (similar to that of Denmark), could very well surprise this group with an upset or two. The Tunisians are due for a big showing someday, and this might be the place. It’s a fun team to watch and despite Tunisia not being a strong contender in ’22 sparks will fly.

One might dismiss Australia and Tunisia. Don't be so quick to join that crowd. (However, it's a safe bet.) The group will probably end like this: France, Denmark, Australia, Tunisia. This very well might be the case. But Australia and Tunisia are on the cusp of something great. Whether it's in this World Cup is another matter. But don't turn away just yet. Denmark's big problem will be finding goals. France, as usual, will be brilliant or a complete flop. You never know. One thing is certain: This group is brimming with excitement.

Fifa World Cup 2022: Group C

10/31/2022

FIFA World Cup 2022
Group C: A Lot of Parity

Group C:

Argentina
Saudi Arabia
Mexico
Poland

Talk about parity. This group is brimming with uncertainty. The favorite? Argentina.

Argentina, led by Messi, has everything to gain by winning this group, thus setting up an advantageous matchup in the Round of 16. As leader of the group, the recent South American champions will have a lot of tension because of mounting expectations. For the recent Copa America champs, none of these are easy games.

As one of the Middle-East’s top programs, Saudi Arabia is better than you think. In fact, as things stand, the Saudis are one of the best in Asia. Having said that, this team is unpredictable and a birth into the second round is far from guaranteed.

Mexico—with talents such as Herrera and Corona leading the charge—is the top dog in CONCACAF, alongside the USMNT. For years now, Mexico has suffered from the “Round of 16 curse.” Will El Tri get out of its group? The pressure is on. This so-called “curse” makes Mexico perhaps the most interesting team in this group.

Poland, who is on equal footing with Saudi Arabia and Mexico, just a step behind Argentina, is a team that could bounce into the Round of 16 with a few steady performances. Steady, in essence, is what you’ll get from the Poles. With Lewandowski up top, the goals might pour in. However, if he’s not contributing, Poland will have a stressful time advancing deep into this tournament.

Predictions? Who escapes? Likely Argentina and Mexico. That’s right: Mexico makes the Round of 16. At this point, all the pressure is on El Tri. For the sake of Mexican fans everywhere, the curse might be broken in ’22!

"The World Cup 2022 Book" | Meyer & Meyer Sport | article

10/14/2022

"The World Cup 2022 Book" featured online at Meyer & Meyer Sport, 10-14-2022. "Author Shane Stay talks, 'Everything You Need to Know About the Football World Cup.'" (Meyer & Meyer Sport link)

See Meyer & Meyer Sport for further book details.

fifa world cup 2022: Group b

10/1/2022

THE World Cup 2022 Book
#1 Amazon "New Release in Sociology of Sports"
#2 Amazon "New Releases in Sports History"
#3 Amazon "New Releases in Soccer"

FIFA World Cup 2022
Group B: One to Watch
(Published at Cardinal Publishers Group, 2022)

Group B:

England
United States
Wales
Iran

From this group, the two most interesting teams in the whole tournament arguably are England and the United States.

England—a one-time World Cup champion from 1966, currently led by Kane and Sterling—is expected to win every time, yet falls short.

The USMNT—a program with plenty of Gold Cup titles, currently led by Pulisic—is not expected to win every time yet fans of the US—with the rich athletic tradition of America—want big results. Fans are forgiving yet impatience is rising; the men’s World Cup represents America’s last athletic frontier. What’s more, the US is one of those promising teams—in league with Mexico, Japan, Australia, and a few others—that has potential to win the Cup, but things are currently “just out of reach”; with a little tinkering, the US is a major contender.

Let’s briefly look at Group B from the perspective of the United States. While some think the US will fall flat, there is an open window of opportunity to escape this group. In fact, this group is very much in play for the US.

Group B

US vs. Iran
Iran is not a team expected to win this tournament. This is a comment that really needs not be written. Without question, this is true. However, it will not be an easy game as Iran is a team with passion and pride that will fight for every inch. It’s quite possible, yet unlikely, that Iran could sneak into the Round of 16. However, you look at it, the US has its hands full; it should be intriguing. The outcome for this game? It will go either way.

US vs. Wales
Wales is essentially the same quality as the US. Walking into the match, it’s very balanced on both sides. Wales’s injured Superstar, Gareth Bale, should provide a spark, with experience added to the mix. The outcome for this game? It’s wide open, it could go either way.

US vs. England
In a strange paradox, England is in the toughest position in the group. Why? Pretty simple: There are expectations for England to win the World Cup every year. The pressure is on. In each World Cup, England is overwhelmed with indescribable pressure that causes the players to tense up and play like robots. The other teams—US, Iran and Wales—have practically zero pressure by comparison and each side can play a more relaxed game. Therefore, as odd as it sounds, despite England being the favorite in this group, this might be a win for the US, considering the Three Lions will be overwhelmed with stress. The outcome for this game? England should control the tempo. Expect an interesting match, one that might surprise fans around the world. Will it be a repeat of World Cup 1950, a 1-0 underdog win from the US? It’s possible. This will be the primetime game for this group.

All in all, while fans around the world have low expectations for the US, it might just escape this group as a window of opportunity is very much open to do just that. Each game is within reach for the US. The team has a very solid attacking frontline, with options: Pulisic, Weah, Aaronson, Reyna, and more. The squad has a lot of punch and it might catch a few opponents off guard. As such, this group is one to watch.

FIFA World Cup 2022: group a

9/25/2022

FIFA World Cup 2022
Group A: A Few Surprises

Group A:

Qatar
Ecuador
Senegal
Netherlands

Who escapes Group A? Tough call. Likely, it’ll be Netherlands and Qatar. However, Senegal and Ecuador will provide tough challenges.

Essentially, Ecuador (featuring Valencia) and Senegal (led by Mane) are the same level teams. Athletic, a boost, some charm. However, each will have a hard time escaping this group. Is there hope for each side? Netherlands, a program that has come so close to winning the World Cup in previous attempts, could be a flop. With a few breaks here and there, Senegal and Ecuador could upset the Dutch, and make big news in the process. However, in all likelihood, the leaders should be Netherlands and Qatar.

Netherlands is the standard of world-class technique. With Memphis, its dynamic attacking midfielder, and a strong supporting cast, this team should fly high, as expected.

Host-nation Qatar is a dark horse contender for this World Cup. With tons of money poured into coaching by oil-rich soccer zealots who want the national team to excel, Qatar is a formidable squad, with Barcelona-esque tendencies, that will catch you by surprise. High-scoring defender, Khoukhi, midfielder Assadalla, along with forwards Afif, Al-Haydos, and Ali are key members that might not be household names but are ready to change your mind about Qatari soccer. If you thought little-known Iceland shocked the world in the 2016 Euro, keep an eye on Qatar for much of the same.

This isn’t to say Ecuador and Senegal are lost causes. This group is very wide open. Netherlands is the easy choice to advance. Qatar is the key. If Qatar can keep its focus with possession, while keeping Ecuador and Senegal at bay, then you should see the host nation earn a place in the Round of 16.

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fifa world cup 2022: game 1

fifa world cup 2022: GROUP H

fifa world cup 2022: group g

fifa world cup 2022: group f

fifa world cup 2022: group e

fifa world cup 2022: group d

Fifa World Cup 2022: Group C

"The World Cup 2022 Book" | Meyer & Meyer Sport | article

fifa world cup 2022: Group b

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