Group A: predictions and players to watch
This article takes a careful look at Group A’s predictions and players to watch.
The 2022 World Cup in Qatar is just a month away and coaches are getting ready to name their final squads for the global showpiece event.
We take a look at Group A and who will expect to reach the knockout stages.
GROUP A
QATAR
Previous appearances: None
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Best finish: None
Coach: Félix Sánchez (Spain)
Star player: Almoez Ali (Al-Duhail)
Qatar will have home ground advantage, but whether that will help them in a tough pool remains to be seen. It looks a long shot, having lost to Croatia’s U23s (0-3) and Canada (0-20 in recent matches. Will they be the second hosts after South Africa to exit in the first round?
ECUADOR
Previous appearances: Three (2002, 2006, 2014)
Best finish: Second round (2006)
Coach: Gustavo Alfaro (Argentina)
Star player: Enner Valencia (Fenerbahçe)
Ecuador have been in superb form in the last few years and claimed some notable scalps. They will certainly not be favourites for the pool, but will be viewed as a tricky opponent as they seek to make the second round for the second time.
SENEGAL
Previous appearances: Two (2002, 2018)
Best finish: Quarterfinals (2002)
Coach: Aliou Cisse (Senegal)
Star player: Sadio Mane (Bayern Munich)
The African champions perhaps carry the continent’s best hopes in this competition and with the squad they have, could repeat their quarterfinal showing 20 years ago, when current coach Aliou Cisse was then captain. Can they get beyond that is the real question …
NETHERLANDS
Previous appearances: 10 (1934, 1938, 1974, 1978, 1990, 1994, 1998, 2006, 2010, 2014)
Best finish: Runners-Up (1974, 1978, 2010)
Coach: Louis van Gaal (Netherlands)
Star player: Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)
READ: Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup Group A, Team Facts, Matches and Prediction
The Dutch are back at the World Cup after missing out in 2018 and there is a real feeling they may do something this year. Again, they are not favourites, but have a team that could go deep into the competition, though they maybe look a little light up front. They are three-time runners-up.
