Group A, Introduction
Netherlands
After failing to qualify for the 2018 World Cup and falling short of the 2014 World Cup Final, the Netherlands look to make noise and win the country's first World Cup. Led by Memphis Dupay, Holland's leading goal scorer, the Oranje was strong in qualifiers and finishing atop of their standings.
While they’ll enter the group stage as favorites to advance, it is paramount for the Netherlands to win their first game against Senegal, as less than 10% of teams advance past the group stage after losing their first match.
Current FIFA world ranking: No. 8 (August 2022)
Regional ranking: 7th (UEFA)
World Cup titles: 0
World Cup appearances, last appearance: 10, Brazil 2014
Recent record (2-year span for all game styles):
2022: 4W-0L-2D
2021: 11W-2L-3D
Key players (club, country): Matthijs de Ligt (Bayern Munich, Germany), Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool, England), Frenkie de Jong (Barcelona, Spain)
Qatar
On and off the field, Qatar is hopeful to display a spectacular show for football fans all around the world as the 2022 World Cup host.
The small Persian Gulf nation has surged up the FIFA men's rankings since being awarded the right to host the World Cup back in 2010. The addition of ex-Barcelona youth coach Felix Sanchez in 2017 has helped lead Qatar from ranking 112 a decade ago to the number 48 spot as of August 2022.
Coming off an impressive first Asian Cup victory in 2019, they are determined to show off their aggressive and entertaining play style to fans all around.
Current FIFA world ranking: No. 48 (August 2022)
Regional ranking: 5th (AFC)
World Cup titles: 0
World Cup appearances, last appearance: 0, N/A
Recent record (2-year span for all game styles):
2022: 2W-0L-4D
2021: 12W-7L-5D
Key players (club, country): Akram Afif (Al-Sadd SC, Qatar), Almoez Ali (Al-Duhail SC, Qatar), Hassan Al-Haydos (Al-Sadd SC, Qatar)
Senegal
Senegal’s entrance into the World Cup can be best described as controversial. Advancing via penalty shootout is one thing, but Egyptian players being blinded by lasers coming from the crowd during their kicks is another.
Said to be the new “Kings of Africa” after defeating Egypt to win their first AFCON title earlier this year, Senegal still has much to prove to the world’s audience. They have star players upfront and premier goalkeeping to help in the group stage and beyond, but can they align in time?
Current FIFA world ranking: No. 18 (August 2022)
Regional ranking: 1st (CAF)
World Cup titles: 0
World Cup appearances, last appearance: 2, Russia 2018
Recent record (2-year span for all game styles):
2022: 7W-2L-3D
2021: 10W-1L-5D
Key players (club, country): Kalidou Koulibaly (Chelsea, England), Edouard Mendy (Chelsea, England), Sadio Mane (Bayern Munich, Germany)
Ecuador
After losing to Argentina 3-0 in the quarterfinals during their last Copa America appearance, Ecuador will have much to prove after qualifying for the World Cup. Enner Valencia, Ecuador’s all-time leading scorer, will be a deciding factor in his team’s efforts on the world stage after failing to make the 2018 World Cup.
Current FIFA world ranking: No. 44 (August 2022)
Regional ranking: 4th (CONMEBOL)
World Cup titles: 0
World Cup appearances, last appearance: 3, Brazil 2014
Recent record (2-year span for all game styles):
2022: 2W-1L-4D
2021: 6W-6L-6D
Key players (club, country): Enner Valencia (Fenerbahce, Turkey), Pervis Estupinan (Villarreal, Spain), Carlos Gruezo (Augsburg, Germany)
Prediction
| Advances |
Netherlands | Yes |
Qatar | No |
Senegal | Yes |
Ecuador | No |
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