2022 World Cup Team Guides

The Guardian, one of England’s most prominent publications, has published it’s 2022 World Cup Team Guides to whet our appetites for the big event.

You can find a complete list (as the articles are released) here:

Group F

We’re starting with Canada’s group… …well, because it’s Canada’s Group.

Canada

“Alphonso Davies is the star but the Concacaf surprise package will look to press at pace rather than sit back and defend.”

Kristian Jack

Belgium

“Don’t expect any tactical innovations from a team with only two world-class players: Kevin De Bruyne and Thibaut Courtois”

Kristof Terreur

Croatia

“Luka Modric still dazzles but behind him Zlatko Dalic has moved on from the stalwarts of 2018 and built a more mobile defence.”

Alexander Holiga

Morocco

“Achraf Hakimi is a phenomenon but turmoil around the position of head coach has been a challenge for the Atlas Lions.”

Mohamed Amine Elamri

Group A

Ecuador

“Argentinian coach Gustavo Alfaro has put his faith in youth and Moisés Caicedo is the leader of a vibrant new generation.”

Stéffano Dueñas

Netherlands (Holland)

“Louis van Gaal has once again ditched the famous 4-3-3 and seems to have won over Virgil van Dijk and the other doubters.”

Wilber Hack

Senegal

“It feels like Senegal’s year and expectations are so high back home that winning the tournament has not been ruled out.”

Babacar Ndaw Faye

Qatar

“Recent results and a secretive two-month training camp offer hope for the hosts but they always wanted Xavi in the dugout.”

Ali Rea

Group B

England

“Gareth Southgate has a talented squad but is under pressure to attack with the defining moment of his tenure approaching.” (BAS Note: It’s not coming home this time either.)

Jacob Steinburg

Iran

“Carlos Queiroz is back in charge but look out for a more progressive style on the pitch and protests in the stands.”

Behnam Jafarzadeh

USA (‘muricah)

“Fading veterans have given way to promising and dynamic youngsters but there are problems at centre-forward and centre-back.” (BAS Note: Their golden boy is currently a bit part player for one of Chelsea’s worst sides in recent memory.)

Tom Dart

Wales

“Gareth Bale and co. head into their nation’s first World Cup since 1958 unburdened by expectation despite recent heroics.”

Ben Fisher

Group C

Argentina

“The Copa América holders are calm, united and unbeaten in 35 games – and many fans think football owes Lionel Messi this trophy.”

Vanesa Valenti

Mexico

“Gerardo Martino’s side are struggling but 40,000 fans will descend on Qatar hoping to see the end of the ‘fourth game curse’.”

Eduardo López

Poland

“Robert Lewandowski is the jewel in a group of in-form attacking players desperate to end a 36-year wait to reach the knockout stage.”

Tomasz Wlodarczyk

Saudi Arabia

“Hervé Renard is back on the biggest stage with a talented and energetic young squad that sailed through qualifying.”

Matt Monaghan

Group D

Australia

“The Socceroos go into a fifth straight finals with the euphoria of dramatic qualification tempered slightly by a string of injuries.”

 Mike Hytner and Emma Kemp

Denmark

“With Christian Eriksen back on top form and two recent wins over Group D rivals France, the Danes intend to ‘make some noise’.”

Jesper Engmann

France

“The reigning champions will miss Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kanté but Kylian Mbappé and Karim Benzema is a fearsome frontline.”

Adam White and Eric Devin

Tunisia

“An influx of dual-nationality players has raised expectations and coach Jalel Kadri says a group-stage exit would be a failure.”

Adala Ahmed

Group E

Costa Rica

“Luis Fernando Suárez used 77 players and gave out 22 debuts as part of a generational revamp that has Los Ticos on the up again.”

Esteban Valverde and Cristian Brenes

Germany

“Two tournament humiliations have left fans disillusioned and only the semi-finals will do for Hansi Flick’s hugely talented squad.”

Oliver Fritsch and Tammo Blomberg

Japan

“Japan have transitioned smoothly to a more youthful side since 2018 but doubts remain over who will score the goals.”

Akihiko Kawabata

Spain

“Never compromising on their high-risk style, Luis Enrique’s side have attacking talent but a defence that gives opponents a chance.”

Ladislao Moñino García

Group G

Brazil

“Tite’s dangerous team have a wealth of young attacking talent to help take the weight from Neymar’s shoulders.”

Renan Damasceno

Cameroon

“Expectations are sky-high at home as Rigobert Song has built a hard-working unit including several dual-nationality stars.”

Angu Lesley N Akonwi

Serbia

“Two dangerous strikers, an attacking style of play and a cult hero manager make Dragan Stojkovic’s team one to watch.”

Uros Jovicic

Switzerland

“Granit Xhaka captains a confident team that has begun to compete with the world’s best, knocking France out of Euro 2020.”

Christian Finkbeiner

Group H

Ghana

“Qualifying at Nigeria’s expense generated optimism but Black Stars have struggled since under a manager who likes to tinker.”

Fentuo Tahiru Fentuo

Portugal

“With world-class players but doubts over ageing greats Cristiano Ronaldo and Pepe, Portugal are a Jekyll and Hyde team.”

Nuno Travassos

South Korea

“With form and fitness concerns surrounding Son Heung-min and others, the role of Napoli’s defensive rock Kim Min-jae is vital.”

Seo Hyung-wook

Uruguay

“Hopes are high for a talented squad with youth, experience and a manager who believes they can lift the trophy.”

Luis Eduardo Inzaurralde