With the 2022 World Cup kicking off in Qatar in just a couple of weeks’ time, all eyes will be on the Middle East as they play host to football’s greatest tournament for the first ever time. The group stage is often littered with one-sided games, so read on as we take a look at some of the early mismatches in this year’s competition.
Argentina v Saudi Arabia
One of the first one-sided games of the tournament will see the number three-ranked team in the world go up against the 51st, with Argentina opening their account in Group C against minnows Saudi Arabia at the Lusail Stadium on November 22.
Lionel Scaloni’s men are heavily tipped to win the matchup in the Argentina v Saudi Arabia odds and as second favourites to lift the World Cup trophy behind their local rivals Brazil, Lionel Messi and his teammates will be expected to wipe the floor with Hervé Renard side.
France v Australia
Defending champions France kick-start their bid to regain the World Cup title with a fixture against Australia at the Al Janoub Stadium, also on November 22.
Although they are drifting in the outright winners’ odds due to several injuries to key players like Paul Pogba and N’golo Kante, Didier Deschamps men will still have too much firepower for the Socceroos and should dispatch of them with relative ease.
Belgium v Canada
Many would argue that Belgium have not taken full advantage of their golden generation, and with their star players now aging, this could be the last chance Roberto Martinez gets to try and get the best out of this current crop.
Luckily, they haven’t been given too difficult of a draw in Group F. They start their campaign off with a match against Canada at the Al Rayyan Stadium on November 23, and while their opponents are ranked 39 places below the in 41st, Canada might not be as easy as they seem.
Portugal v Ghana
The worst ranked team in the tournament, coming in at 61st in the FIFA standings, Ghana have a tough opening game against Portugal in Group H — going head-to-head with the 2016 European champions at Stadium 974 on November 24.
Ghana stunned Nigeria to qualify for the World Cup, beating the Super Eagles on away goals, but their chances of causing a similar upset against Portugal in this match are slim. With this being Cristiano Ronaldo’s final outing at the tournament, Portugal will want to start emphatically.
Netherlands v Qatar
While there are a couple of mismatches in Group A, with 44th place Ecuador also in the mix and not posing too much of a threat to the Netherlands, the most lopsided game will most likely be the Dutch against Qatar (50th) in the final game at the Al Bayt Stadium on November 29.
The hosts could have a torrid time in front of their home fans, with the opening match of the tournament against Ecuador their only real chance of spurring their blushes. If they go into this game with zero points, it will be a tournament to forget for the Middle East nation.
Brazil v Cameroon
The final day of group stage fixtures will see number one-ranked and pre-tournament favourites Brazil taking on 43rdplace Cameroon at the Lusail Stadium on December 2.
Tite’s side look more than capable of winning their sixth World Cup, but if they have already secured qualification from Group G by this fixture then they might rotate and take their foot off the gas a bit.
