Football Programmes Centre

Who Could Be The Surprise Package At The 2022 World Cup?

The waiting is nearly over, as the 2022 World Cup gets underway in Qatar in less than a month. However, while many of the World Cup 2022 betting sites may see sides such as Brazil, France and Argentina as the leading contenders, there is a real argument to be made that there could be a shock winner of the competition this year. But, which sides could be among the dark horse selections to go deep in Qatar at the World Cup this year?

Ecuador

Group A at the World Cup could offer the most value, as the team that wins the group stands a very solid chance of making it through to at least the quarterfinals. While the Netherlands may be the standout selection, there is an argument that Ecuador could spring a surprise. The South American giants qualified for the competition after finishing fourth in the standings, as they managed to see off the threat from Peru and Colombia to steal the final spot.

Despite not reaching the World Cup four years ago, Ecuador still has a fine record at the major tournament itself, as they have won at least once in each of the three tournaments that they have played. However, they have only made it past the group stage on one occasion, eventually finishing 12th in the 2006 World Cup in Germany. But, they could be good value to improve on that showing this year.

Denmark

Denmark were one of the stories at the European Championships last summer, as they managed to make it through to the semi-final stage despite playing without their star man, Christian Eriksen. The Danes were incredibly unfortunate not to have made the final at the EUROs last year, as England needed a dubious penalty to edge past their rivals in extra time. However, since then, Denmark has impressed in the Nations League, beating world champions France on two occasions.

The French will once again be their biggest test in Group D at the World Cup, but the recent results between the sides means that they could stand an excellent chance of topping the group. Denmark's best showing at the World Cup came in 1998, as they reached the quarterfinals, but this talented squad could go further in Qatar.

Spain

It may seem strange putting Spain down as a surprise package, but the odds currently have them as outsiders to win the World Cup this year. The Spanish previously won the competition in 2010, but they have under delivered in the previous two editions of the tournament. However, they were one of the teams that progressed nicely through the EUROs last summer, and were ultimately unfortunate to have lost on penalties against Italy in the semi-finals.

That run means that they shouldn't be underestimated this winter, and the experience gained by such a young squad could be hugely beneficial to their chances this winter. If they can top Group E, which also includes Germany, then a route to the final could emerge.

Your Basket