The World Is Waiting

The World Cup draw has been made; and tension is now building towards an inexorable climax at the Nov 21-Dec 18 World Cup 2022 held in Qatar. This time seems especially exciting; as the so-called lesser nations are now becoming very good as well; thus leading to a more level playing field and a feeling of 'anyone can beat anyone' kind of thing.

You only have to look at the upsets that happened in qualifying; how the European champions Italy were sent crashing out by North Macedonia; how a powerful Sweden team did not make it; and how Canada; never really a football nation in anyone's book; could make it through for the first time since 1986. Heck; even one of the best football nations Portugal; only made it through after a nervy playoff series.

As usual; the draw throws up the inevitable Group Of Death; and this time; powerhouses Spain & Germany are somehow drawn together; along with a newly-confident Japan and a dangerous Costa Rica/New Zealand equation. England should feel rather happy; being drawn in a seemingly-easy group with Iran; USA and a Wales/Scotland/Ukraine equation. But bearing in mind the young US team full of confidence & swagger; and a potential Home Nations adversary; and it may not be that easy after all.

As much as they tried to conceal it; Netherlands must be whooping with joy after drawing the easiest top seed Qatar. Along with Ecuador and Senegal; that may be one of the easiest groups around. But we have also seen how home advantage can transform the hosts (witness Russia last time out). And also Senegal must be one of the strongest African teams in recent memory; having edged out their rivals Egypt in dramatic fashion; and with a host of star players such as Sadio Mane; Cheikhou Kouyate and Idrissa Gueye.