A month and a half before the World Cup, who is the favorite for Qatar 2022?
1. Victor Jefferson (Sports Scout)
I still see France as strong, I think they have a better team than in 2018, they will be 26 years old, not 23. On top of that, there will be Benzema. I see him as a two-time champion.
2. Natalie Tacchino (Writer)
I love the Argentina and France teams because each country has players who make a difference in their clubs and inspire their teams. Last year’s Copa America champions Messi’s Argentina could make history in Qatar.
3. David Chavez (Journalist at Movistar Sports)
I think Argentina is the favorite to win the World Cup. He has a great chance in the hands of Scolani and Messi, who will almost certainly play his last World Cup. There are plenty of football arguments for him to start as a favorite.
4. Cesar Vivar (Journalist)
France are favorites because they have the best players and are at the right age to make a World Cup comeback. Personally, I think Argentina is getting better with football and a good team. This type of competition is very important.
5. Leo Butron (Former Footballer)
For me, Brazil are favorites because they are not one of the first favorites to win the championship and they do not come with the pressure of being a candidate and can play against. With the players he has and the current situation they are experiencing, I think he is a good candidate to win the title.
6. Diego Repagliati (Group at Al Angulo)
I think Brazil is the favorite because they have a good coach like Tide, who comes with a long process and past World Cup experience. The midfield forwards that no team in the world has, especially the wingers, and Neymar, who is maturing and coming along physically and mentally at a great moment.
7. Daniel Kanashiro (Team at DirecTV Peru)
By having only the most favorite regular Brazil. Beyond the names.
What could be surprising?
1. Victor Jefferson (Sports Scout)
I think America might be surprised because they have better players than ever before. He has many in Europe and plays international matches in important clubs. If they keep working, they might be surprised.
2. Natalie Tacchino (Writer)
England has a squad of key players who form the backbone of the world’s most competitive league: the Premier League. It’s a very even team. This may come as a surprise.
3. David Chavez (Journalist at Movistar Sports)
The surprise might be Denmark. He had already reached the semifinals of a great European Championship, he has a good FIFA ranking and can continue to progress without problems. What Belgium did in the last World Cup could be his mirror.
4. Cesar Vivar (Journalist)
Portugal are by no means favourites, but the CR7 factor going badly individually could bring out the best in Portuguese pace.
5. Leo Butron (Former Footballer)
For me England will be a big surprise as their football has been on the rise in recent years and they are playing well in Europe. It has the best players who have taken it to the final events and they can surprise in this World Cup.
6. Diego Repagliati (Group at Al Angulo)
I was surprised by Ecuador. They have a young team that is playing well and Alfaro is a great coach. He had a group that he could master, and in the next round, a crossover that he could touch, it could go well for him. I have faith in Ecuador.
7. Daniel Kanashiro (Team at DirecTV Peru)
My surprise would be Argentina. Messi is the best player in the world who played collectively well in the world. I hope this is your World Cup.
Who could be the biggest disappointment?
1. Victor Jefferson (Sports Scout)
I still see Argentina as inspired by Messi. Without Messi I see Argentina as a normal team. Peru, with a limited squad, made it tough in Buenos Aires and lost only 1-0. They have already studied. All of a sudden he’s only made it to the round of 16, and if he’s lucky in the penalty shootout, he’ll make it to the quarterfinals.
2. Natalie Tacchino (Writer)
Expectations are always high on Portugal because of the figure Cristiano Ronaldo represents. However, at the age of 37, he did not arrive at his club Manchester United with much experience and perseverance. In addition, Portugal achieved its qualification to Qatar through the playoffs. Let’s see what happens.
3. David Chavez (Journalist at Movistar Sports)
Disappointment may be Germany. Let’s remember that in Russia 2018 it was eliminated in the first group round and it didn’t have a good campaign in the European Championship either, it was a favorite and not considered a candidate today.
4. Cesar Vivar (Journalist)
I don’t think Croatia will repeat the Russian campaign. Only Luka Modric retained his position. I don’t think Mexico has come across well in soccer or emotionally with DT being questioned so much.
5. Leo Butron (Former Footballer)
I think it would be Germany. He did not perform well as a national team at the European level and even in the Bundesliga. I think people expect to see Germany from before, but it is very difficult for them to fight for the title.
6. Diego Repagliati (Group at Al Angulo)
I think France will be disappointed following the tradition of recent World Cups. He has a lot of internal problems, a lot of wear and tear with the coach, and even though he has a lot of good players, I feel they are coming at a hard time.
7. Daniel Kanashiro (Team at DirecTV Peru)
Disappointment will be one of Europe’s greats. I don’t know who, but one of the candidates from the old continent is staying, I’m not saying round of 16 or quarter, he’s in the group stage. They know each other well and others know bowling well. They are easier to tie than 15 or 20 years ago when shirts were heavier. Any classified team today has a significant number of players in the major leagues and that levels the competition.
