They are 25 to firmly believe in the law of the series. Because 12 years ago, Spain became the eighth country to put its name on the World Cup list, thanks to Andres Iniesta’s goal following extra time once morest the Netherlands (1-0 ap). Because 12 years earlier, France had also won its first star by defeating Brazil at the Stade de France (3-0). Because 12 years later, there is this World Cup in Qatar. And if a novice must be crowned every 12 years, then there will be a ninth nation in the club of world champions on the evening of December 18th.
But who can really believe it? Spain, inspired by the flamboyant game of the Barcelona backbone in 2010, were among the favorites in South Africa. Like France in 1998, with a constellation of stars led by Zinedine Zidane and the support of his public for this World Cup at home. In 2022, when it comes to predicting the future winner of the tournament in Qatar, it is rarely the name of a novice that comes out of the hat. It’s certainly not worse. On the congested path to the coveted trophy, it’s probably better to go masked.
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Portugal, favorite of the outsiders
Of all the nations looking for their first world title, there is still one that takes more light than the others. Portugal is not really mentioned among the favorites of the competition, but it is too well armed not to at least look like an outsider. Both collectively and individually, with elements capable of energizing the corridors (João Cancelo, Nuño Mendes), of bringing creative added value (Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes, João Felix) or of eliminating (Rafael Leao). And he has a leader, Cristiano Ronaldo, at the height of his motivation, ready to vent all his frustration at Manchester United for what will certainly be his last World Cup.
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What detach him from the peloton. The Netherlands, three times World Cup finalists, do not have as many arguments even if they can rely on a good backbone with Frenkie de Jong, Matthijs de Ligt and Virgil van Dijk. But they seem to lack leading individuals in attack. Belgium does not seem as competitive as in 2018. It does have a Kevin de Bruyne at the top of his game, but Eden Hazard and Romelu Lukaku are far from showing the same form as in Russia. It is less expected, remains to be seen if this will not make it more dangerous.
The year of Brazil?
But the real obstacle for all these nations in search of their first star is competition. It is no less strong than in previous editions, quite the contrary. Brazil is the perfect example. The Seleçao are automatically among the favorites at each World Cup, but it seems to have all the assets to put an end to 20 years of drought. Talent in all positions, an ultra-supplied workforce in quantity and quality, varied profiles in attack… And a Neymar in the best shape of his life as evidenced by his thunderous start to the season at PSG.
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But this is also the case for his two friends in the Parisian attack. Lionel Messi’s Argentina and Kylian Mbappé’s France are also among the top favourites. It may be clearer for the Albiceleste, finally endowed with a leading hinge with Cristian Romero (physically diminished) and Lisandro Martinez to bring his attacking talents to fruition. The Blues are more deprived. The injury absences of N’Golo Kanté and Paul Pogba left a big void in the middle to protect a defense that was already showing serious signs of concern. Didier Deschamps has to find a balance. If he succeeds, he can count on a host of stars in attack, from Kylian Mbappé to Karim Benzema via Antoine Griezmann, Kingsley Coman and Ousmane Dembélé to make it grow.
And then, there are also these former winners who can claim the title if they do not have the favor of the forecasts at the dawn of the tournament. Germany, in search of redemption following the Russian fiasco, will be particularly formidable. Spain have regained their colors even if they still lack a world-class striker. Uruguay remains a tough guy embodied by Federico Valverde, dazzling since the start of the year. England is a little behind, but the plateau is there to confirm it. A novice might still triumph, twelve years later. But it would be a hell of a feeling.
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