Betfinal Power Ranking TOP 10

 

The 22nd edition of the upcoming FIFA World Cup Final in Qatar seems to have two main favourites. However, the number of teams aspiring to the medal zone is much larger. Who can we consider the “dark horse” of the tournament? Let’s find out!

32 national football teams in 64 matches will compete for fame and glory. On November 20 at 5 pm (GMT+2 – Central European Time), Qatar will face Ecuador in the opening match of this year’s World Cup. The final game is scheduled for December 18. Here is our Betfinal Power Ranking of the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar, a few days before its start, to help you choose the best betting strategy for the forthcoming matches. 

 

This is the THIRD PART of the series (Top 10) of our 2022 Betfinal World Cup in Qatar Power Ranking.  You can find Part 1 (places 32 to 21) and Part 2 (places 20 to 11) on your favourite Betfinal Blog at: www.betfinal.com/en/blog, where we give you all the best football betting tips and odds to help you choose the best betting strategies possible.

 

So, let’s start!

Who’s going to win the World Cup Finals 2022? 

 

32. Saudi Arabia
31. Qatar
30. Costa Rica
29. Tunisia
28. Australia
27. Ghana
26. Japan
25. Iran
24. Cameroon
23. Canada
22. South Korea
21. Morocco
20. Ecuador
19. USA
18. Wales
17. Mexico
16. Poland
15. Senegal
14. Switzerland
13. Serbia
12. Uruguay
11. Croatia
10. Denmark
9. Belgium
8. Portugal
7. Germany
6. England
5. Netherlands
4. Spain
3. France
2. Argentina
1. Brazil

 

No. 10, Denmark – FIFA World Cup Group D

Denmark’s staggering disposition has been one of the most positive surprises on the international football scene in recent years. Indeed, the Danes (10th in the FIFA World Ranking) have many world-class individuals in their ranks, but mostly their team play is their main asset.

 

We saw the collective power at the last Euro Cup Finals, where the Scandinavians made it all the way to the semis. Even reaching the final seemed like a realistic scenario (Denmark suffered a 1:2 defeat against England in the semis when Harry Kane scored a winning goal in additional time in the 104th minute).

 

After the Euros ended, the Danes did not let up at all.

 

On the contrary, after nine victories in a row, they became the first European team to win a FIFA World Cup promotion.

 

And that is not all. Following that success, Denmark did very well in the European Nations League competition, where they were admittedly beaten by Croatia twice (0:1 and 1:2) but managed to defeat the world champions France twice themselves (2:1 and 2:0).

 

Now, they will have to face France again in their Group D encounter in Qatar, and we think that the Danish side might pleasantly surprise us even with a win.

 

It will be Denmark’s sixth appearance in the FIFA World Cup Finals. Their best-ever finish came in 1998 when they reached the tournament’s quarter-finals.

 

Players to watch:

•   It was five horrifying minutes during the Euro Cup Finals 2020 when the 30-year-old midfielder Christian Eriksen suffered a cardiac arrest during an opening match against Finland. Anything beyond his survival would have seemed like too much to hope and pray for at that stage.

 

Against all the predictions, Eriksen returned to play football after nine months. Soon after, he made his international comeback, scoring against the Netherlands within two minutes of entering the field. WHAT A HERO !!!

 

Now at Manchester United, he continues to have the opportunity to pull the strings from midfield and let his creative juices flow.

 

Eriksen was described as one of the world’s top ten players ahead of the last World Cup 2018. With 38 goals, he is also the leading scorer in the current squad and sits in the country’s all-time top five. His vision, passing range, and ability in set-piece situations continue to make him Denmark’s key creator.

 

We can’t wait to see him in action during the World Cup Finals in Qatar.

•   The current Udinese player (Italian Seria A), 25-year-old Joakim Maehle, is not a typical full-back. His average goal-scoring rate comes to a goal every three matches. Let’s be honest, many international strikers would be proud of such an achievement, and most full-backs can only dream of it.

 

Maehle, who scored the only goal against Austria that sealed Denmark’s World Cup place, has proved himself as influential in attack as he is dependable in defence. His versatility and range of defensive and attacking attributes will be well-needed if Denmark is to go far in the competition. Whether he is on the right or left, plays as a full-back or wing-back, Maehle will definitely provide Denmark with football quality and pride in Qatar.

•   Tall, athletic and powerful, the 28-year-old centre-forward, Yussuf Poulsen, will be a key figure as the Danish side goes hunting for goals in Qatar. The RB Leipzig frontman, who has become the German club’s appearance record holder, will certainly bring a different dimension to their attacking strategy.

 

The Tanzanian Dane takes no prisoners when it comes to scoring. His physical size, mobility and tactical discipline make him one of the most dangerous forwards in Qatar.

 

Denmark’s Group D matches

 

Denmark vs Tunisia

Date: Tuesday, November 22

Venue: Education City Stadium, Doha

 

Denmark vs France

Date: Saturday, November 26

Venue: 974 Stadium, Doha

 

Denmark vs Australia

Date: Wednesday, December 30

Venue: Al Janoub Stadium, Al Wakrah

 

Denmark – latest betting odds: 

 

1). Denmark to win the FIFA World Cup: 30/1

2). Denmark to win Group D: 5/2

3). Denmark to reach the quarter-final: 9/5

4). Denmark to reach the semi-final: 9/2

5). Denmark to reach the final: 12/1

6). Kasper Dolberg  to win World Cup Golden Boot: 100/1

PLEASE NOTE: The average odds comparison, source – oddschecker.com. The odds are valid on the day of the article’s publication and may be subject to change before the start of the tournament.

 

The last 5 international games:

 

06/06/22     Austria        1 – 2     Denmark

10/06/22     Denmark     0 – 1     Croatia

13/06/22     Denmark   2 – 0    Austria

22/09/22     Croatia       2 – 1    Denmark

25/09/22     Denmark   2 – 0    France

PLEASE NOTE: All the results represent matches that had occurred before the article’s publication date.

 

No.9, Belgium – FIFA World Cup Group F

Among the strongest teams that stand out from the rest, we place Belgium  lowest in the end, although this decision was a challenging one.

The ‘Red Devils’ (2nd in the FIFA World Ranking) can play brilliantly. We all know that. Nevertheless, at the same time, they are a very uneven team and are not as solid as they were at previous World Cups or European Championships.

 

Their recent form has been a little patchy. They proved that during the latest edition of the Nations League when they lost to the Netherlands twice, 0:1 and 1:4 and drew against Wales 1:1.

 

As the odds suggest, though, we expect Belgium to progress through the tournament’s earlier stages without too many difficulties. The only question is, how far will they go?

 

Winning group F is not a forgone conclusion for the ‘Red Devils. Croatia will definitely try to put a stumbling block here. On the other hand, finishing second would give them an extremely tough route to the top, with Spain, Brazil, Argentina and France as potential rivals.

 

The World Cup Finals in Qatar will be Belgium’s 14th appearance at the tournament, and they have yet to win it. Their best-ever performance happened four years ago when they finished third following a narrow defeat against later champions France in the semi-finals.

 

Players to watch:

•   One of the best central midfielders in the world, 31-year-old Kevin De Bruyne, is the beating heart of the team. The Belgian wizard (as they call him) struck his personal best record last season with 15 Premier League goals to his name and collected his fourth Premier League winners’ medal with Manchester City.

 

His creativity and unbelievable quality of passes will determine how far Belgium progresses in the competition.

•   He is strong and powerful. The Inter Milan striker, 29-year-old Romelu Lukaku, is going into the tournament with 68 goals in 102 appearances for the national team. This record makes him the country’s leading all-time goal-scorer.

 

Lukaku netted four goals at the 2018 World Cup Finals, and with support coming from Hazard and De Bruyne, he will fancy making another significant contribution in Qatar. Let’s be honest; with Lukaku in the squad, the Belgian attack will be a force to be reckoned with and extremely difficult to stop.

•   The winner of the Golden Glove at the last World Cup Finals, 30-year-old goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is at the peak of his powers. He made his senior international debut in October 2011, becoming the youngest goalkeeper to represent Belgium.

 

Two World Cups later, Courtois is now his country’s most-capped keeper of all time, with 108 appearances in his CV. The Real Madrid goalie has no competition when it comes to wearing the No. 1 jersey and will play an essential role if Belgium plans to go far in the tournament.

 

Belgium’s Group F matches

 

Belgium vs Canada

Date: Wednesday, November 23

Venue: Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, Ar Raayan

 

Belgium vs Morocco

Date: Sunday, November 27

Venue: Al Thumama Stadium, Doha

 

Belgium vs Croatia

Date: Thursday, December 01

Venue: Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, Ar Raayan

 

Belgium – latest betting odds: 

 

1). Belgium to win the FIFA World Cup: 16/1

2). Belgium to win Group F: 8/15

3). Belgium to reach the quarter-final: 10/11

4). Belgium to reach the semi-final: 11/4

5). Belgium to reach the final: 7/1

6). Romelu Lukaku  to win World Cup Golden Boot: 25/1

PLEASE NOTE: The average odds comparison, source – oddschecker.com. The odds are valid on the day of the article’s publication and may be subject to change before the start of the tournament.

 

The last 5 international games:

 

11/06/22      Wales                   1 – 1       Belgium

14/06/22     Poland                  0 – 1      Belgium

22/09/22     Belgium             2 – 1      Wales

25/09/22     Netherlands    1 – 0      Belgium

18/11/22      Egypt                   2 – 1      Belgium

PLEASE NOTE: All the results represent matches that had occurred before the article’s publication date.

 

No.8, Portugal – FIFA World Cup Group H

Which face of the Portuguese national team (9th in the FIFA World Ranking) is the real one? Is it the face of a lost group’s battle in the World Cup qualifying campaign (a draw against Ireland and a defeat to Serbia which placed Portugal second, three points behind their rivals)? Or is it the face of the convincing victories over the Czech Republic and Switzerland (both won by Portugal 4:0)?

 

Or is there another? But just as poor as the first one, marked by Nations League defeats against Switzerland and Spain.

 

On paper, the Portuguese have one of the strongest teams at the World Cup in Qatar. However, their form is irregular, and they rarely rise to their incredible potential nowadays. On top of that, there are a lot of question marks surrounding the work of the manager Fernando Santos.

 

Moreover, one of the best strikers in the world, 37-year-old Christiano Ronaldo, hasn’t been giving his national team enough quality this year, which Portugal has always relied on so heavily.

 

Not to mention a winger, Diogo Jota, whose serious injury made it impossible for him to participate in the tournament.

 

The list goes on and on ..

 

All of the above does not paint a positive picture for the Portuguese ahead of the World Cup. Interestingly, they have not made it past the last 16 in any of the previous three tournaments. They even crashed out of the groups in 2014. Therefore, a medal zone would be quite a sensation for them.

 

Players to watch:

•   A living legend, the 37-year-old forward Christiano Ronaldo went into his international career as the rising star of the future in a team led by Rui Costa and Luis Figo, the country’s golden generation of players.

 

Now he finds himself as a veteran in a team packed with players who are about to reach their career peak. At 37, Ronaldo’s ability to worry any defence still remains the same. This is precisely why he spent over 800 minutes on the pitch during the Qatar 2022 qualifiers, more than any other player in the team.

 

He lifted trophies with every club he played for, but raising the golden World Cup is still one of his dreams that has yet to be fulfilled. Portugal might not win the tournament, but as the all-time leading goal-scorer in men’s international football Christiano is one of the main favourites to grab at least the Golden Boot prize.

•   Keep an eye out for Bruno Fernandes. The 27-year-old midfielder poses a threat on the edge of the penalty box thanks to his shooting skills and ability to pick out a team-mate when space around him is limited.

 

He provides Portugal with balance, cohesion and stability in the middle of the pitch. And when it comes to free-kicks and penalties, only a few players are as reliable as he is.

 

Fernandes showed his talent in the European play-offs for Qatar 2022, scoring two goals in the 2-0 victory over North Macedonia that took the Portuguese to the World Cup Finals. We are eager to admire his intelligent and progressive playing when Portugal takes on some serious opponents in Qatar.

•   The 28-year-old Joao Cancelo is one of the best full-backs in the world right now. His importance for the national team is unquestionable. Cancelo was on the pitch for 694 minutes in his country’s FIFA World Cup qualification campaign, surpassed only by two of his team-mates, Christiano Ronaldo (810) and Bernardo Silva (734).

 

Left flank, right flank, defence or midfield, Cancelo’s done it all at his current club, Manchester City, where he has developed significantly over the past few years. Portuguese manager Fernando Santos will have a tricky puzzle to solve trying to find the most suitable position on the pitch for such a versatile player in his squad.

 

Portugal’s Group H matches

 

Portugal vs Ghana

Date: Thursday, November 24

Venue: 974 Stadium, Doha

 

Portugal vs Uruguay

Date: Monday, November 28

Venue: Lusail Stadium, Al Daayen

 

Portugal vs South Korea

Date: Friday, December 02

Venue: Education City Stadium, Doha

 

Portugal – latest betting odds: 

 

1). Portugal to win the FIFA World Cup: 14/1

2). Portugal to win Group H: 8/13

3). Portugal to reach the quarter-final: 10/11

4). Portugal to reach the semi-final: 5/2

5). Portugal to reach the final: 13/2

6). Cristiano Ronaldo  to win World Cup Golden Boot: 18/1

PLEASE NOTE: The average odds comparison, source – oddschecker.com. The odds are valid on the day of the article’s publication and may be subject to change before the start of the tournament.

 

The last 5 international games:

 

09/06/22     Portugal           2 – 0     Czech Rep.

12/06/22      Switzerland    1 – 0     Portugal

24/09/22      Czech Rep.         0 – 4    Portugal

27/09/22      Portugal              0 – 1     Spain

17/11/22        Portugal           4 – 0    Nigeria

PLEASE NOTE: All the results represent matches that had occurred before the article’s publication date.

 

No.7, Germany – FIFA World Cup Group E

This year’s Nations League was not successful for the German national team (11th in the FIFA World Ranking). Only one win (5:2 against Italy), one defeat (0:1 against Hungary) and four draws. Hans Flick’s charges played without the grit and determination they have accustomed us to over the past years.

 

In terms of players, however, they are strong in many areas of the pitch. On top of this, there is the brilliant 19-year-old attacking midfielder Jamal Musiala who is one of the main candidates to become a top star of the tournament.

 

In Qatar, Germany will face the responsibility of wiping the stains from the disastrous 2018 World Cup when they got knocked out of the tournament at the Group level.

 

The Euros 2020 didn’t go their way either, bowing out in the last 16.

 

How far will they go this time?

 

Germany has truly paid the price for not being one of the top seeds for the World Cup. As a result, they were given a tough group alongside Spain, Japan and Costa Rica. Although Germany is still expected to go further than the group stage, the route to the final looks tough.

 

We would not be surprised by their presence in the top four, nor being eliminated in the 1/8 finals when they might face Belgium or Croatia. Both scenarios are possible.

 

Players to watch:

•   The 19-year-old attacking midfielder Jamal Musiala is the future of German football. He moved to England when he was seven and came through the academies of both Southampton and Chelsea. In 2019, Musiala moved to FC Bayern’s U-17 squad, where he was coached by the World Cup record goal-scorer, Miroslav Klose. He made his senior side breakthrough under current national coach Hansi Flick in 2020.

 

Since then, Musiala has accumulated just under 100 competitive appearances for Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga, German Cup and Champions League. He’s been in brilliant form this season. With ten goals and eight assists in 19 games for Bayern Munich, this young talent will play a massive role for Germany at the World Cup in Qatar.

•   The 33-year-old Bayern Munich attacking midfielder Thomas Muller goes to Qatar with hopes of raising the World Cup trophy for the second time.

 

Muller is the fifth most capped German player with 116 appearances for his country and 44 goals. Another 8 goals and 21 assists in 32 Bundesliga matches in the 2021/22 season speak for themselves. It surely proves that Thomas is at the top of his game despite his relatively advancing years.

 

At the moment, he is almost a certain starter in the national team, with six-goal involvements (three goals and three assists) in just four World Cup qualifiers.

 

Muller can literally play anywhere across the forward line, and his international experience and versatility are exactly what Hansi Flick needs in Qatar to fulfil German dreams of reaching at least the quarter-finals.

•   The Bayern Munich man, 27-year-old defensive midfielder Joshua Kimmich is a crucial figure in the German squad. He is now entering his prime, and his cabinet is well-stocked with trophies. Seven German Bundesliga titles, three DFB Cup triumphs, a UEFA Champions League winner’s medal and another from the FIFA Club World Cup. Not bad for a 27-year-old.

 

He has already represented his country on 67 occasions, scoring four goals. A modest achievement for a defensive midfielder who likes to get forward and hunt for a ball in the penalty area, but for Flick’s charges, that is less of a priority. As a defensive midfielder, Kimmich is there to win duels and is the first man to launch the attacks. His form at the World Cup in Qatar will determine how far the team goes.

 

Germany’s Group E matches

 

Germany vs Japan

Date: Wednesday, November 23

Venue: Khalifa International Stadium, Ar Rayyan

 

Germany vs Spain

Date: Sunday, November 27

Venue: Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor

 

Germany vs Costa Rica

Date: Thursday, December 01

Venue: Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor

 

Germany – latest betting odds: 

 

1). Germany to win the FIFA World Cup: 10/1

2). Germany to win Group E: 11/10

3). Germany to reach the quarter-final: 5/6

4). Germany to reach the semi-final: 9/4

5). Germany to reach the final: 9/2

6). Serge Gnabry to win World Cup Golden Boot: 40/1

PLEASE NOTE: The average odds comparison, source – oddschecker.com. The odds are valid on the day of the article’s publication and may be subject to change before the start of the tournament.

 

The last 5 international games:

 

11/06/22      Hungary            1 – 1         Germany

14/06/22      Germany       5 – 2         Italy

23/09/22      Germany          0 – 1         Hungary

26/09/22      England            3 – 3        Germany

16/11/22        Oman                0 – 1        Germany

PLEASE NOTE: All the results represent matches that had occurred before the article’s publication date.

 

No.6, England – FIFA World Cup Group B

Expectations towards England (5th in the FIFA World Ranking) have always been high. Unfortunately, very little has been delivered in recent years.

 

Hopes springs eternal, though, and there is a quiet confidence among the English fans that the ‘Three Lions’ will go all the way to the final in Qatar. And let’s be honest, if they perform as they can, they might even win it.

 

On paper, England can aspire to be one of the tournament’s top three strongest teams. However, the Islanders have gone through a series of disastrous games this year, marked by Gareth Southgate’s strange personal and tactical choices.

 

Even though England has never played beautiful football, they are a classic example of a solid tournament team. Their success at Euro 2020 (when they came second after a 2:3 loss against Italy on penalties) was based on excellent game organisation and strong defensive play. Effective but not glamorous. And we expect the same from them in Qatar.

 

They are also favoured by the World Cup schedule. This means they may not face a top-level opponent until the quarter-finals.

 

Making their first World Cup appearance in 1950, England has been involved in 16 tournaments, including the 2022 edition in Qatar. They once won the trophy in 1966, beating West Germany 4-2 after extra-time at Wembley, and it has been their only appearance in a final so far.

 

Players to watch:

•   England’s captain and Tottenham Hotspur’s striker, 29-year-old Harry Kane won the Golden Boot prize in 2018 with six goals to his name. For a good reason, he remains the first choice on Southgate’s list of attacking players. Kane has already scored more goals in competitive matches and major tournaments than any player in England’s history. Since the start of 2021, the penalty box predator has netted 18 goals in 22 games for England, including 4 at Euro 2020.

 

Although no one in history has ever managed to win the Golden Boot prize twice in a row, the Spurs star goes into the World Cup as one of the favourites to do just that.

 

Let’s see what he’s capable of.

 

•   He is as one of the most exciting youngsters in the game. The Borussia Dortmund midfielder, 19-year-old Jude Bellingham became England’s third youngest player when he emerged in 2020. Although he doesn’t have a guaranteed place in the starting 11 yet, his maturity, athleticism and ball-carrying abilities have already pushed him to a leadership role at his club Borussia.

Bellingham’s vision of the game and creativity will be crucial to the nation’s hopes of success in Qatar.

 

He just simply has the magic that England needs.

•   Another English youngster who has to be treated with respect. The 20-year-old Arsenal forward Bukayo Saka represented England at under-16, 17, 18, 19 and Under-21 levels. He is well known for attacking incisiveness, creativity, speed and intelligence. Being considered one of the best young football talents in the world, Saka enters the tournament as a near-certain starter in the English squad.

 

In September 2022, he was named the ‘England Player of The Year’ for the 2021–22 season, ahead of Harry Kane and Declan Rice. Opposition defenders at the World Cup may soon find the reason why.

 

England’s Group B matches

 

England vs Iran

Date: Monday, November 21

Venue: Khalifa International Stadium, Ar Rayyan

 

England vs USA

Date: Friday, November 25

Venue: Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor

 

England vs Wales

Date: Tuesday, December 29

Venue: Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, Ar Rayyan

 

England – latest betting odds: 

 

1). England to win the FIFA World Cup: 8/1

2). England to win Group B: 1/3

3). England to reach the quarter-final: 1/2

4). England to reach the semi-final: 7/4

5). England to reach the final: 7/2

6). Harry Kane to win World Cup Golden Boot: 7/1

PLEASE NOTE: The average odds comparison, source – oddschecker.com. The odds are valid on the day of the article’s publication and may be subject to change before the start of the tournament.

 

The last 5 international games:

 

07/06/22      Germany  1 – 1        England

11/06/22       England    0 – 0      Italy

14/06/22       England    0 – 4     Hungary

23/09/22       Italy         1 – 0      England

26/09/22       England   3 – 3      Germany

PLEASE NOTE: All the results represent matches that had occurred before the article’s publication date.

 

No.5, Netherlands – FIFA World Cup Group A

They have serious talent at the back, midfield, out wide and upfront. How come the Netherlands (8th in the FIFA World Ranking) have never won the FIFA World Cup?

 

The great absentees return to the tournament after an eight-year gap, and there is no better opportunity for the ‘Oranje’ to prove their supremacy than right here, right now.

 

There is no trace left of last year’s unsuccessful Euro 2020 campaign (0:2 defeat against the Czech Republic in the 1/8 final). The unstoppable Louis van Gaal took over the manager’s position and added the right results to his colourful work style. The Netherlands have recently beaten Belgium twice, 4:1 and 1:0, defeated Denmark 4:2 and won a tricky qualifying group against Turkey and Norway.

 

The generational change seems to be going in the right direction. This is a more mature team than at the European Championships, with the easiest opponents out of all the World Cup groups and a convenient tournament schedule.

 

It’s time to get back on track.

Making their first World Cup appearance in 1934,  the Netherlands have been involved in 11 World Cups, including the 2022 edition in Qatar. They are yet to win the trophy but have previously finished runners-up on three occasions (1974, 1978 and 2010).

 

Players to watch:

•   There’s only one man that’s going to be leading the attacking line for ‘Oranje’ this winter, and it’s Barcelona man Memphis Depay. The 28-year-old forward ended UEFA’s qualification phase as the top-scorer (together with Harry Kane) with 12 goals in his pocket.

 

Since the start of 2021, he’s bagged 21 goals across 21 matches for Oranje, including netting twice at Euro 2020. Going into the World Cup in Qatar, Depay is joint-second on the Netherlands’ all-time goal-scorer list with 42 goals (level with Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and eight behind Robin van Persie).

 

It looks like the Netherlands’ chances of a first World Cup gold will heavily depend on Depay’s unpredictable skills and lethal finishes. It will be so interesting to watch him closing in slowly on Van Persie’s national goal record of 50.

•   Spectacular with the ball at his feet, the 25-year-old Frankie De Jong is among the elite midfielders playing today. He’s also fought his way back into Xavi’s Barcelona team, starting nine of their 14 La Liga matches so far, including each of the past six.

 

De Jong is now set and ready to perform on the biggest stage of all, and much like at Euro 2020, Netherlands’ fate will rest in his hands or feet and legs rather. Although he hasn’t scored in his last 34 internationals, we think he’s destined to rewrite some of the World Cup ‘passing’ and ‘scoring’ statistics.

•   With nine goals and 12 assists in 14 Eredivisie appearances this season, the 23-year-old forward Cody Gakpo might surprise you in Qatar. Comfortable through the centre or on the wing, Gakpo has steadily built his reputation at PSV Eindhoven, earning the Dutch Footballer of the Year award for the 2021/22 season.

 

It’s been only a matter of time to see such a club as Manchester United queuing up for his signature. Nevertheless, Gakpo stayed in Eindhoven and picked up where he left off, winning Eredivisie Player of the Month for September and October and scoring 13 goals and 17 assists in his first 24 appearances.

 

With nine senior international appearances to his name, 3 goals and 2 assists, he may be inexperienced on the world stage. This could mean he is not a guaranteed starter when the Netherlands begin their World Cup quest against Senegal on November 21. However, when Gakpo gets his chance, his explosive performance will surely be hard to miss.

 

Netherlands’s Group A matches

 

Netherlands vs Senegal

Date: Monday, November 21

Venue: Al Thumama Stadium, Doha

 

Netherlands vs Ecuador

Date: Friday, November 25

Venue: Khalifa International Stadium, Ar Rayyan

 

Netherlands vs Qatar

Date: Tuesday, December 29

Venue: Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor

 

Netherlands – latest betting odds: 

 

1). Netherlands to win the FIFA World Cup: 13/1

2). Netherlands to win Group A: 4/9

3). Netherlands to reach the quarter-final: 13/20

4). Netherlands to reach the semi-final: 9/4

5). Netherlands to reach the final: 6/1

6). Memphis Depay to win World Cup Golden Boot: 20/1

PLEASE NOTE: The average odds comparison, source – oddschecker.com. The odds are valid on the day of the article’s publication and may be subject to change before the start of the tournament.

 

The last 5 international games:

 

08/06/22    Wales                    1 – 2     Netherlands 

11/06/22      Netherlands        2 – 2     Poland

14/06/22     Netherlands     3 – 2    Wales

22/09/22     Poland                  0 – 2    Netherlands     

25/09/22     Netherlands     1 – 0    Belgium

PLEASE NOTE: All the results represent matches that had occurred before the article’s publication date.

 

No.4, Spain – FIFA World Cup Group E

The Spanish team (7th in the FIFA World Ranking) leaves us a little underwhelmed when we look at the names alone. Luis Enrique, however, can get a lot out of it. We saw that at the last EURO, where the team from the Iberian Peninsula came close to reaching the grand final. We also saw it, in part, during the qualifiers for the World Cup and in the recent Nations League. Although, “La Roja”  did not avoid individual slip-ups there.

 

The Spaniards will face Germany, Japan and Costa Rica in the group stage, and they should be able to progress without many problems. The battle for first place promises to be very even.

 

Even if Spain emerge as group winners, they face a potentially brutal road through the knockouts. With 2018 finalists Croatia in the Round of 16, followed by, potentially, Brazil, Belgium and France in the quarters, semis and final.

 

La Roha won their first ever World Cup in 2010 as part of an unprecedented run of three consecutive major tournament wins alongside Euro 2008 and Euro 2012. Still, they fell to the curse of the defending champions in 2014, crashing out at the group stage. Then, in 2018, they were knocked out on penalties in the Round of 16.

 

The 2022 World Cup in Qatar will be their 16th appearance at the tournament. They last failed to qualify in 1974 and have since participated in the past 12, including 1982, when they were hosts.

 

Players to watch:

•   With the efficiency of movement, touch on the ball, passing ability and eye for goal, he has no weaknesses in his game. The 19-year-old Barcelona midfielder Pedri has a big future ahead of him.

 

He did not have to wait long for his debut in Barcelona’s first team, as it was only until September. He played his first match against Villarreal. The young player quickly made his way up, becoming an important figure in the squad. In his first season at Camp Nou, he’s played 52 games in all competitions so far, winning the Spanish Super Cup.

 

As one of the biggest talents in world football, Pedri is just mind-blowing. We are absolutely sure he will show off his exquisite technique and scoring abilities in Qatar this winter.

•   La Roja’s leading scorer of the Luis Enrique era, the 22-year-old forward Ferran Torres, plays a vital role in the Spanish attack.

 

Despite his young age, he can already boast of the English Championship Trophy with Manchester City, with whom he also reached for the English League Cup.

 

Torres spent a year and a half at the English club before returning to Spain midway through the 2021/22 season to strengthen Barcelona’s forces. He’s played almost 30 games for Blaugrana and is slowly becoming an increasingly important piece in Xavi’s puzzle.

 

A versatile performer who can occupy many different positions. Torres has no problem switching roles during the course of a game. His ability to create space and find the back of the net will be crucial for the Spanish side in their battles during the World Cup Finals in Qatar 2022.

•   A star of EURO 2020, the 25-year-old goalkeeper Unai Simon has the character and mental strength to go with his adventurous playing style. He had a big hand in the quarter-final win over Switzerland at the Euros. His saves in normal time and the penalty shootout took the Spanish side into the semis, where they lost to eventual champions Italy.

 

Simon is now a unanimous first pick ahead of De Gea and Robert Sanchez and the first link in La Roja’s creative chain, thanks to his ability to pick a pass and build play.

 

Spain’s Group E matches

 

Spain vs Costa Rica

Date: Wednesday, November 23

Venue: Al Thumama Stadium, Doha

 

Spain vs Germany

Date: Sunday, November 27

Venue: Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor

 

Spain vs Japan

Date: Thursday, December 01

Venue: Khalifa International Stadium, Ar Raayan

 

Spain – latest betting odds: 

 

1). Spain to win the FIFA World Cup: 8/1

2). Spain to win Group E: 5/6

3). Spain to reach the quarter-final: 4/6

4). Spain to reach the semi-final: 15/8

5). Spain to reach the final: 4/1

6). Alvaro Morata to win World Cup Golden Boot: 33/1

PLEASE NOTE: The average odds comparison, source – oddschecker.com. The odds are valid on the day of the article’s publication and may be subject to change before the start of the tournament.

 

The last 5 international games:

 

09/06/22     Switzerland   0 – 1      Spain

12/06/22     Spain             2 – 0     Czech Rep.

24/09/22     Spain             1 – 2      Switzerland

27/09/22     Portugal          0 – 1      Spain     

17/11/22       Jordan             1 – 3      Spain

PLEASE NOTE: All the results represent matches that had occurred before the article’s publication date.

 

No.3, France – FIFA World Cup Group D

The defending champions will not be considered the main favourites for the final triumph in Qatar. That doesn’t mean they cannot repeat their success of four years ago. France’s potential is still enormous, but they have yet to be in their top form.

 

The “Tricolours” (4th in the FIFA World Ranking) completely failed in this year’s Nations League. They won only one of their six games and had to watch the backs of the theoretically weaker teams, Croatia and Denmark, from a considerable distance. It should be emphasized, however, that Didier Deschamps strongly rotated with the squad. When the strongest eleven comes out on the pitch, it may (but does not have to) look much better.

 

France has been given an interesting group at the World Cup. They will surely fancy their chances of reaching the knockout stages. Both Australia and Tunisia represent minimal threats here, but Denmark, who finished above them in the UEFA Nations League, managed to beat them twice, home and away.

 

Should they get over that and finish on the top of their group, the first two knockout rounds could be kind to France, but the semi-final is where they will truly be tested (Spain, Germany, Belgium, Brazil, Portugal or Uruguay are potential opponents here).

 

Qatar will be France’s 16th appearance at a World Cup finals. The 2018 World Cup glory was their second crown, having also won the tournament in 1998, beating Brazil 3:0 in the final. They reached the final once again in 2006 but were defeated by Italy on penalties 5:3.

 

Players to watch:

•   With five triumphs in both Spanish La Liga and the Champions League, four Spanish Super Cups, Golden Ball award, the Real Madrid striker and goal scoring predator, 34-year-old Karim Benzema, can not stop. He also finished top of the Champions League scoring charts for the 2021/22 season due to his 15-goal stack on the way to glory in the continent’s elite club competition. To date, Benzema has played more than 600 games for Real, scored more than 300 goals and has more than 150 assists to his credit.

 

He has established himself as a key figure for ‘Les Bleus’, netting ten goals since his return to the national team which took place in 2021, to bring his overall score to 37.

 

French fans will be eagerly looking to Benzema to push his side to victory at Qatar 2022.

•   The Paris Saint-Germain forward, 23-year-old Kylian Mbappe, has 28 goals under his belt, in 59 appearances for France, and is already breaking into the top 10 national scorers.

 

At the World Cup in 2018, at the age of just 19, Mbappe scored four goals, including one in the final, becoming the first teenager to score in a World Cup Grand Final since Pele in 1958.

 

He is simply a difference-maker on the pitch and will play a major role in Deschamps’ side in Qatar.

•   The future is now for him when it comes to central midfield, and it’s an ideal time for it to happen, with Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kane both missing the World Cup through injury. The 22-year-old midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni is the rising star of “Les Bleus” and is ready to replace his injured teammates.

 

Among the best players in Ligue 1 last season, the Frenchman attracted the interest of the biggest clubs, eventually choosing La Liga giants Real Madrid.

 

Tchouameni progressed through all of the youth teams in the French national team system before making his first start with the seniors in 2021.

 

He is well known for his physicality and defensive qualities and will certainly be one of the cornerstones of Didier Deschamps’ tactical system during the World Cup in Qatar this winter.

 

France’s Group D matches

 

France vs Australia

Date: Tuesday, November 22

Venue: Al Janoub Stadium, Al Wakrah

 

France vs Denmark

Date: Saturday, November 26

Venue: 974 Stadium, Doha

 

France vs Tunisia

Date: Wednesday, December 30

Venue: Educaition City Stadium, Doha

 

France – latest betting odds: 

 

1). France to win the FIFA World Cup: 7/1

2). France to win Group D: 4/9

3). France to reach the quarter-final: 8/15

4). France to reach the semi-final: 13/8

5). France to reach the final: 3/1

6). Kylian Mbappe to win World Cup Golden Boot: 8/1

PLEASE NOTE: The average odds comparison, source – oddschecker.com. The odds are valid on the day of the article’s publication and may be subject to change before the start of the tournament.

 

The last 5 international games:

 

06/06/22    Croatia         1 – 1       France

10/06/22     Austria         1 – 1       France

13/06/22     France          0 – 1      Croatia

22/09/22    France        2 – 0      Austria

25/09/22    Denmark   2 – 0      France    

PLEASE NOTE: All the results represent matches that had occurred before the article’s publication date.

 

No.2, Argentina – FIFA World Cup Group C

They are two-time World Cup champions, having lifted the trophy in both 1978 and 1986 and making the Grand Final on five occasions.

 

Question: Who can thwart the master plans of the main World Cup favourites, the Brazilians?

Answer: The team that was the last to win against them – Argentina (3rd in the FIFA World Ranking).

 

Leo Messi will face one last opportunity in Qatar to win the world title. Does he have a chance? Some indeed, although it will take a lot of work to achieve that. The Albicelestes, however, have not seemed so strong for a long time.

 

In 2021, they ended a 28-year quest for major silverware at the Copa America and backed the performance up with a near-perfect Qatar 2022 qualification campaign.

 

Their last defeat happened in July 2019, precisely against Brazil. Since then, they’ve begun a series of 33 matches in a row without a loss. Impressive! And that series continues to this day. They are just two games away from equalling Italy’s unbeaten world record run, avoiding defeat in their 35 consecutive matches. We expect the Albicelestes to break that record in Qatar this winter.

 

Argentinians were runners-up at the World Cup in 2014. But they bowed out at the Round of 16 in 2018, beaten by eventual winners France in a thrilling 4-3 encounter.

 

Can they put their disappointment from four years ago behind them and go all the way in Qatar? The good news for Argentine fans is that Messi looks like a player in great shape again. Therefore Yes, Yes, Yes, they have all the necessary tools to achieve that.

 

Since failing to qualify for the 1970 World Cup, Argentina has been involved in each of the last 13 tournaments (including 2022), taking their tally to 18 overall. Only Brazil (22) and Germany (18) have longer runs.

 

Players to watch:

•   Seven-time “Golden Ball” winner and PSG superstar, the 35-year-old forward Lionel Messi has been Argentina’s captain since August 2011. He scored his 89th and 90th international goals in his side’s final game before the World Cup, which included a superb free-kick in their 3-0 win over Jamaica. Those two goals made him the third-highest goalscorer in men’s international football history behind Cristiano Ronaldo (117) and Ali Daei (109).

 

He has also started the 2022/23 season on fire at the club level and scored 26 goals across 18 games.

 

So, if you are planning on betting on the “Golden Boot” winner award, Messi is definitely one of those players to pick from!

•   Cristian Romer, the 24-year-old defender, has been a rock at the back for “La Albiceleste” since he made his international debut in June 2021. Argentina managed to keep a clean sheet in each of the last 10 matches he has played for the national side. His excellent performances for Atalanta saw him named Serie A defender of the year in 2020/21. Since a big-money move to Tottenham Hotspur, he’s become one of the best defenders in the Premier League.

 

Commanding in the air and practically impossible to beat in one-on-one situations, with the skill to bring the ball out and build from the back, Romero is the defender the country has been looking for and will heavily depend on during the World Cup in Qatar.

•   Lautaro Martinez, the 25-year-old forward, is considered one of the best strikers in the world and is well known for his speed, strength and finishing. As Argentina’s main goal threat of the Scaloni era, he should be at the peak of his powers when the World Cup in Qatar comes around.

 

Apart from his attacking attributes, he has another important role to play in Scaloni’s tactical system. Martinez is a hard-running first line of defence, preserving Messi’s energy by freeing him of any defensive duties.

 

He missed out on a place at the 2018 World Cup but is ready to shine in Qatar. We are convinced he will provide his team with the cutting edge that Argentina had lacked in the three finals they lost before ending their trophy deficiency against Brazil at the Maracana last year.

 

Argentina’s Group C matches

 

Argentina vs Saudi Arabia

Date: Tuesday, November 22

Venue: Lusail Stadium, Al Daayen

 

Argentina vs Mexico

Date: Saturday, November 26

Venue: Lusail Stadium, Al Daayen

 

Argentina vs Poland

Date: Wednesday, December 30

Venue: 974 Stadium, Doha

 

Argentina – latest betting odds: 

 

1). Argentina to win the FIFA World Cup: 11/2

2). Argentina to win Group C: 2/5

3). Argentina to reach the quarter-final: 8/15

4). Argentina to reach the semi-final: 6/4

5). Argentina to reach the final: 3/1

6). Lionel Messi to win World Cup Golden Boot: 11/1

PLEASE NOTE: The average odds comparison, source – oddschecker.com. The odds are valid on the day of the article’s publication and may be subject to change before the start of the tournament.

 

The last 5 international games:

 

01/06/22     Italy               0 – 3    Argentina

05/06/22     Argentina  5 – 0    Estonia

24/09/22     Argentina   3 – 0   Honduras

28/09/22     Argentina   3 – 0   Jamaica    

16/11/22       UAE                0 – 5   Argentina   

PLEASE NOTE: All the results represent matches that had occurred before the article’s publication date.

 

No.1, Brazil – FIFA World Cup Group G

“Canarinhos” (1st in the FIFA World Ranking) have been waiting to win the world championship for 20 years now, and it seems they might finally get their way in Qatar.

 

What impresses most is the depth and power within the squad and the multiple quality choices they can make in practically every position of the field. The Brazilian coach, Tite has a selection headache, especially in the forward areas. The type of problem that any coach would love to have, with Raphinha, Philippe Coutinho, Gabriel Jesus, Richarlison, Antony and many others to choose from.

 

The results they have achieved are also impressive. Brazil lost only one of their last 29 matches, the memorable Copa America final against Argentina (0:1) in 2021.

They stormed through the South American qualifiers for the World Cup, finishing top of their group with 45 points (6 ahead of Argentina and 17 ahead of Uruguay). More recently, they have been thundering past rivals in friendly matches.

 

This is exactly why the Samba Boys are our main candidates and our Top 1 of the BetFinal Power Ranking to win the golden trophy in Qatar this winter. They’re also top favourites in the eyes of bookmakers. 

 

However, nothing is guaranteed in football, and the South American giants will need to be at the top of their game if they are to claim their sixth World Cup title in Qatar.

 

Canarinhos are the only team to have taken part in every edition of the tournament and the most successful one as they have lifted the golden trophy five times so far – in 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994 and 2002.

 

Players to watch:

•   Neymar, the 30-year-old PSG forward, shone on home soil as Brazil reached the semi-finals in 2014. A severe back injury cruelly deprived him of the opportunity to take his nation further.

 

Inspired and playing alongside Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe, the forward has made a blistering start to the season at Paris Saint-Germain. He has already been directly involved in 25 goals in 18 games across all competitions. If he can take that level of performance into the World Cup in Qatar, he might be unstoppable.

•   The Flamengo academy graduate, 25-year-old attacking midfielder Lucas Paqueta, is a crucial player for both his club and country.

 

Possessing all the skills required for effective build-up and attacking play, his place in Brazil’s starting line-up is more or less guaranteed. He developed an excellent understanding with Neymar, in particular, during the Qatar 2022 qualifying campaign, registering many goals and assists along the way.

•   The Real Madrid left winger, 22-year-old Vinicius Junior, is set to introduce himself proudly at the finals, and he will be desperate to shine on the biggest stage of all.

 

There is no reason he cannot. Indeed, the speedy winger scored the winning goal in the Champions League final victory over Liverpool. At the same time, he continues to consistently produce to high standards under Carlo Ancelotti, already hitting 10 goals for the campaign.

 

Brazil’s Group G matches

 

Brazil vs Serbia

Date: Thursday, November 24

Venue: Lusail Stadium, Al Daayen

 

Brazil vs Switzerland

Date: Monday, November 28

Venue: 974 Stadium, Doha

 

Brazil vs Cameroon

Date: Friday, December 02

Venue: Lusail Stadium, Al Daayen

 

Brazil – latest betting odds: 

 

1). Brazil to win the FIFA World Cup: 7/2

2). Brazil to win Group G: 4/11

3). Brazil to reach the quarter-final: 4/11

4). Brazil to reach the semi-final: 11/10

5). Brazil to reach the final: 5/2

6). Neymar to win World Cup Golden Boot: 12/1

PLEASE NOTE: The average odds comparison, source – oddschecker.com. The odds are valid on the day of the article’s publication and may be subject to change before the start of the tournament.

 

The last 5 international games:

 

30/03/22     Bolivia            0 – 4   Brazil

02/06/22     Sout Korea    1 – 5    Brazil

06/06/22     Japan             0 – 1   Brazil

23/09/22     Brazil            3 – 0  Ghana   

27/09/22     Brazil             5 – 1   Tunisia         

PLEASE NOTE: All the results represent matches that had occurred before the article’s publication date.

 

Football online betting has never been easier and more exciting with Betfinal. We try to offer our players the best FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar betting odds. We’re here to help you choose your best betting World Cup strategies possible.

 

So, get ready for the upcoming games and look for the best World Cup betting tips at the Betfinal blog. Stay tuned for the FIFA World Cup Finals betting tips when the time rolls around.

 

Have fun and bet wisely with the best World Cup betting odds at your favourite betting site, betfinal.com.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

 

1). When and where is the 2022 World Cup?

 

Qatar will host the 2022 Fifa World Cup this winter, the first to be organised by an Arab country and the second held entirely in Asia. It is the 22nd edition of the tournament, which began way back in 1930. 

 

The event starts on Sunday, November 20, with a match between Qatar and Ecuador.

 

The Final (and 64th match) will kick-off in Lusail on Qatar National Day,  Sunday, December 18, 2022.

 

• November 20: Opening match of 2022 World Cup (Qatar v Ecuador)
• December 2: Group phase concludes
• December 3-6: Round of 16
• December 9-10: Quarterfinals
• December 13-14: Semifinals
• December 17: Third Place Match
• December 18: Final

 

2). Who is in the World Cup 2022 Finals?

 

A total of 32 teams compete in the FIFA World Cup. 31 of them must qualify for the tournament, with Qatar qualifying automatically as a host. There are 13 nations from Europe, 4 from South America, 4 from Asia, 5 from Africa, 4 from North America, and Australia, which is a member of the Asian confederation.

 

• Host: Qatar

• Europe: Belgium, Croatia, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Serbia, Spain, Switzerland, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal and Wales.
• The rest of the world: Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Mexico, Ecuador, USA, Canada, Senegal, Ghana, Cameroon, Morocco, Tunisia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Japan, Costa Rica and Australia.

3). Why is the World Cup in November?

This year’s World Cup has been scheduled for November and December, unlike in the usual June and July window. This has been done to combat the fierce Qatari summer heat, which is often more than 40°C during the period. The average temperature in November is 24°C and 21°C in December.

 

4). Are tickets for the World Cup 2022 available?

Tickets are available through the official FIFA website, with more than 800,000 tournament tickets sold during the first and second phases, which have already been gone. 

The online Last Minute Sales on a “first come, first served”  basis is currently open and will run until the end of the FIFA World Cup on 18 December. 

5). How much does a final World Cup ticket cost?

Four categories of tickets are made available to supporters wanting to attend the World Cup in Qatar.

• Category 1 – is the highest priced, located in prime areas within the stadium.
• Category 2 and Category 3 – are seating areas within the stadium offering a less-premium view of the action.
• Category 4 – is a seating area within the stadium reserved exclusively for residents of Qatar. 

All tickets are sold in Qatari riyal to both residents of Qatar and international fans, with prices ranging from 40 riyals ($11) to 5,850 riyals ($1,607). 

Published: November 2022

By: Rafa