As football fans prepare themselves for the sport’s preeminent showpiece in Qatar, the FIFA World Cup – there is an air of tension and passion that exists that can’t be replicated at any other event in the world. Not only is winning a World Cup a legacy defining moment for a professional footballer – the pride and gratification it provides the fans of the victorious nation is where the true beauty of the tournament lies.
Irrespective of the political turmoil, financial instability or social dissidence that may be occurring within a participating country at the World Cup, the quadrennial event has a way of uniting people like no other. That is why winning one is so important to so many people – and there will be 25 teams in Qatar this year vying for the prestigious mantle of being crowned the best team in international football for the very first time.
With that in mind, read on as we take a look at the three teams who are considered the most likely in the World Cup odds to overcome the hump and secure their maiden World Cup title.
Netherlands
Entering the tournament as the seventh favourite at 14/1, the Netherlands have come close on multiple occasions to hoisting the tournament trophy. After losing their first World Cup final 2-1 at the hands of West Germany in 1974 – the Dutch managed to achieve the same feat four years later and made their second consecutive final at the 1978 World Cup in Argentina.
They would ultimately go down to the hosts 3-1 – with goals to Argentina’s Mario Kempes and DanielBertoniin extra time proving the difference. It would be a much longer wait for the Netherlands’ third World Cup final appearance, which they accomplished in 2010 in South Africa. Despite boasting a star-studded squad that included the like of Robin van Persie, Arjen Robben and Wesley Sneijder – they were up against arguably the greatest international football team ever assembled in Spain.
Sergio Ramos, Andres Iniesta, Xavi and Fernando Torres are just a handful of names the Red Fury had at their disposal – and while van Persie and company were able to stay within striking distance for the majority of the match – it was Iniesta’s strike in the 116th minute which broke the deadlock and the hearts of Dutch players and fans alike as Spain went on to win 1-0.
Fast-forward to 2022, and while the Dutch are expected to make it out of the group stages – they’re not predicted to challenge too much beyond that. However, write the Louis van Gaal-managed side off at your peril, as their squad is made up of many elite players including the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Frenkie de Jong and Memphis Depay to name a few.
Additionally, they have been somewhat blessed with their group, with Senegal, Ecuador and hosts Qatar all winnable games for the Oranje. Therefore, if they can make light work of their Group A opposition, they will enter the knockout stages fresh – and a fresh Dutch team is a dangerous one.
Portugal
Eighth favourites Portugal will be hoping they can emulate their Euro 2016 success and defy the odds to win another major international tournament. Similar to many Portuguese teams of the past – their Achilles Heel is that they’re a little top-heavy as a squad. There’s no doubting that their elite players are world-class – with Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes and Joao Canelo some of the most recognisable names in football. However, it’s the Selecao das Quinas’ depth that is a cause for concern.
Manager Fernando Santos will be hoping that the added spark needed to help Ronaldo and company will come from some of Portugal’s up-and-comers. Two prospects who many appear to be high on are wonderkids Antonio Silva and striker Goncalo Ramos, the latter of which is the top scorer in the Portuguese top-flight. If they can get decent production out of some of their younger players, expect the wily veterans to thrive as a result. For those interested in following Portugal’s tilt at their first World Cup title – the men in red and green open their campaign against Ghana on November 24, before taking on two-time winners Uruguay and South Korea on November 28 and December 2 respectively.
Belgium
The Red Devils need to make their golden generation count. The world number two ranked side have failed to capitalise on their world-class squad in recent years – losing in the semi-finalat the 2018 World Cup at the hands of France, before being knocked by eventual champions Italy in the quarter-final of Euro 2020. With their big-name players Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, Eden Hazard and Thibaut Courtois all 29 or older – this could one of the last opportunities for the Belgians to compete for a major title while all four men are in or close to their primes.
The Roberto Martinez-managed side are expected to top their group, with Canada, Morocco and 2018 World Cup finalists Croatia rounding out Group F.