After a dramatic group stage with major upsets recorded, below are the seven possible ways the 2022 FIFA World Cup could end.
Morocco becomes the first African country to win the FIFA World Cup
Morocco takes on Portugal in the quarterfinals of the tournament after eliminating Spain through penalty shootouts.
They are the surprise package of the tournament after emerging as group winners ahead of two top European teams – Croatia and Belgium who did very well in the last edition of the tournament in Russia.
Belgium finished third in the 2018 World Cup, while Croatia got to the final. Morocco finished ahead of both teams with the maximum points acquired by any group winner in the tournament.
They went ahead to eliminate 2010 champions Spain.
No African country has won the World Cup. If Morocco does, it will be the first African country to break the jinx.
Messi and Ronaldo have GOAT bragging rights if either player wins the FIFA World Cup
Football fans in the 21st century are opportuned to watch and witness two of the greatest stars football has ever produced – Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. The two have gone head to head both in club and international football.
Messi has 94 international goals, while Ronaldo has 118. Both players are tied on the number of club goals – 701, but Messi played fewer matches. Meanwhile, the duo appears to be playing in their last major tournament for the country and are yet to win the World Cup. If Argentina or Portugal wins the World Cup, then the historic goat debate will be finally laid to rest.
FIFA World Cup trophy returning to England
England has been known to have given much to football. They run the most popular and competitive football competition in the world – the Premier League.
The Three Lions only won the World Cup once in their football history, in 1966. Since then, it has been a tale of unsuccessful attempts. With the game witnessing rapid development in the country, Premier League followers all over the world will want the country to lift the trophy if their home country fails.
The Three Lions of England can take the trophy to where it rightfully belongs if they can win it.
France secures back-to-back FIFA World Cup victory
France will be the third country in FIFA World Cup history to win the tournament back-to-back if they win this 2022 edition. Italy did it in 1934 and 1938, followed by Brazil in 1958 and 1962. Les Bleus would join them if they snatch the trophy again after they peeped Croatia to the trophy in 2018 in Russia.
Neymar to help Brazil win their record 6th World Cup trophy
Brazil is one of the most successful national teams in World Cup history after winning it five times, with football legend Pele being the only player to win the trophy three times as a player.
Neymar will hope to help the Selecao land their 6th World Cup – the highest number ever won by a team – if they win the tournament. They have been tipped as top favorites to win but have to battle it out with Croatia in the quarterfinals.
Modric retires in style
Luka Modric has announced that the 2022 FIFA World Cup tournament will be his last major tournament with Croatia, and he will concentrate on the remaining few years of his football career at Real Madrid.
The Ballon d’Or winner who guided Croatia to the 2018 final will now retire in style if he wins this tournament.
Netherlands wins after losing three finals.
In 2010, Netherlands became the first national team in FIFA World Cup history to reach three finals of the tournament without winning it. They had made it to two consecutive finals in 1974 and 1978. The 2010 final against Spain made it their third final.
However, they have not won any. Louis van Gaal will lead the Dutch side to their first-ever FIFA World Cup trophy if they win this tournament.
