Qatar 2022: 4 must-see group stage matches
The FIFA World Cup 2022 draw has been finalized and the group stage games are set to begin on Nov. 21. The grand spectacle will take place in Qatar during the winter season, with 32 teams fighting for a chance to lift the most prestigious international trophy in history.
Some really fascinating groups have been created: The United States has been placed in the same group as England; Spain and Germany are Group E rivals; Portugal and Uruguay have been placed in a very competitive Group H.
A number of fascinating encounters are guaranteed in the group stages. Yet, some matches have a ‘must-see’ status to them because of the quality of teams facing each other and their history together.
Here’s a look at 4 World Cup group-stage matches that must be seen by football fans.
FIFA World Cup Group E: Spain vs Germany
Once the draw was finalized, the most talked-about match-up for the group stages was Spain facing Germany in Group E. Spain won their first World Cup in 2010, whereas Germany secured the 2014 World Cup – their 4th overall. These two have a history in this tournament, too. Spain defeated the Germans in the 2010 World Cup semifinals.
Some contrasting playing styles should make this a fascinating encounter. Under Luis Enrique, Spain have reverted to their possession-based, quick-passing football. Germany are more about operating with direct, quick fast breaks and a dynamic style. In the last three years, these sides have faced off three times – with Spain winning once and the others being drawn.
Germany will be hungry for revenge after losing 0-6 to La Roja in 2020. With both teams eager to top Group E – a relatively easy group otherwise – this should be a thrilling end-to-end game and a real battle of wits.
Group G: Portugal vs Uruguay
Portugal took the hard way to qualify for the World Cup, doing so via the qualification playoff rounds. Cristiano Ronaldo will get another shot at winning the biggest international trophy in what is also expected to be his final World Cup.
Portugal has been placed in what could be this edition’s “Group of Death” alongside Ghana, Uruguay, and South Korea. The game against the South American giants is likely to be the most enticing one. It’ll be a rematch from the 2018 World Cup, which Portugal lost in the Round of 16.
These two teams have, interestingly, only faced each other three times in history. Their 4th match-up should be an entertaining battle. Uruguay’s never-say-die attitude and tendency to play fast-paced attacking football contrasts with Portugal’s array of rich attacking talent and electric style. This should be a real rollercoaster of a game.
Group C: Argentina vs Poland
Two of the world’s best footballers will clash in the World Cup group stages when Lionel Messi’s Argentina faces Robert Lewandowski’s Poland side. The two superstars have been battling each other for the Ballon d’Or the last few years and are expected to do so next year as well. But what could tip things to their favor would be a solid outing in Qatar.
This is likely to be Messi’s swan song in the World Cup and he’s desperate to lift the trophy before retirement. Lewandowski would be looking to spoil his party and hand a stern reality check to Argentina. These two sides will be facing in the World Cup for the first time since the 1978 edition (when Argentina incidentally won the trophy at home!).
With Argentina playing some stunning, groovy attacking football under Lionel Scaloni, they should be exciting to watch. But Poland are no pushover and the Europeans boast the biggest trump card in Lewandowski, making this an unpredictable bout.
England vs. USA
England fans were left relatively happy with their World Cup group, not having been placed alongside any “big” side. But something which excited them the most was a clash against the U.S. Men’s National Team.
The two teams share a “rivalry” in sports because of their history and this game is being regarded as a “rivalry match” in itself. Unlike England, Team USA had to fight quite hard to secure a spot in Qatar. They might not be as star-studded as the England side, but they have that element of surprise that can reinvigorate them in the World Cup.
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The USA are unlikely to cower against their competition and should take the game to England by causing trouble with their attacking talent, led by Christian Pulisic who plays in England for Chelsea. This should be a feisty, open-ended game with a lot of action and potential drama involved – making it one to be sure and watch.