2022 World Cup: Group A Analysis

Qatar

Qatar have plenty of gratitude. They will play in their first World Cup since they’re the host, a decision made by FIFA back in 2010, one that caused a lot of controversy. FIFA can’t do a thing about soccer odds. Qatar are priced at +1500 to win the group. This is a team whose greatest feat has been winning the AFC Asian Cup. Their last prep matches don’t offer much in the way of hope, having failed to defeat Jamaica, Croatia U-23, Canada and Chile.

Maroon will face Ecuador in their first match on Nov. 20th. Later, they’ll collide with Senegal (Nov. 25th). Finally, they’ll meet Netherlands (Nov. 29th). Almoez Ali will be leading the way He has scored in the AFC Asian Cup, the Copa America and the Gold Cup.

Ecuador

The South Americans, who finished fourth in the CONMEBOL qualifiers, are playing in their fourth Cup. Their best result was in 2006, advancing to the Round of 16, then losing, 1-0, to England. They lack a superstar playing in Europe, but Michael Estrada, who used to play in the MLS and now plays for Cruz Azul in the Liga MX, leads the team. Estrada and his companions must turn it on at the outset to avoid what happened in four of their last five friendlies, when unable to score.

La Tricolor, who’ll face Qatar, Netherlands and Senegal, in that order, offer a +400 price to win Group A. Defeating Qatar Nov. 20th is crucial to increase their chances.

Netherlands

Unlike Ecuador, Netherlands’ roster includes plenty of superstars who play in Europe’s top leagues. Virgil van Dijk, Matthijs de Ligt, Frenkie de Jong, Cody Gakpo, Memphis Depay, to name a few players. Also, they’ll be led by one of the best coaches in the tournament, Louis van Gaal. The Flying Dutchmen had no trouble during the UEFA qualifiers, winning Group G with a 7-2-1 record (goal differential of 33-8). Only England scored more with 39. If they can continue that pace, they’ll be tough to beat.

As was mentioned before, the European side dominates the Las Vegas odds to win the group. They’re offering a miniscule -225 price, which means you’d win $100 per every $225 wagered. On the other hand, they’re offering a +1200 price to win the title. In that case, a $100 wager could turn into a $1200 profit. Deserving to be in that conversation, as they are talking about one of the more balanced teams in the tourney.

Senegal

Senegal’s chances depend on whether Sadio Mane recovers after an injury sustained playing with Bayern Munich last week. Manager Aliou Cisse included Mane in the 26-man tournament squad despite the injury, hoping the striker would at least be ready by the Round of 16, provided they make it out of the group. Whatever it takes to have Mane ready to play, even witchcraft.

“We are going to use wizards. I don’t know if they will be effective, but in this case we will use them anyway. We are waiting for miracles, he has to be there!” said Fatma Moura, FIFA’s general secretary, and a native of Senegal.

The Lions of Teranga, who finished the CAF qualifiers 6-1-1, and eliminated Mohamed Salah and Egypt in the final round, are offering a +450 to win the group.

Bottom Line

Netherlands have never been bounced during the Groups. Do not expect that to happen at Qatar, certainly not against the hosts, Ecuador and Senegal. The Flying Dutchmen may suffer a bit more than expected, but will fulfill their role as faves, as they did at EURO 2020.

In second place, we think Senegal is going to pull off the stunner, even if Mane doesn’t play. Their roster also includes Edouard Mendy, one of the best goalkeepers in the world, Fode Ballo Toure, who won the Italian Serie A (AC Milan) and Kalidou Koulibaly, one of the best centre-backs in the English Premier League, in other words, they’re taken to defeat Qatar and Ecuador. Things then get complicated in the Round of 16.