Three Teams Who Could Surprise at the 2022 FIFA World Cup

Whenever this major international football tournament rolls around, there is always a sense of eager anticipation and excitement. After all, the FIFA World Cup only happens every four years, making the expectation and enthusiasm even greater, as 32 nations aim to win the biggest prize the beautiful game can bestow.

The 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar will be no different in this regard, as tipsters look to predict possible outcomes, and the possibility of there being more than a few surprises. Using site reviews for all the leading online bookmakers via SBO, where the most competitive offers and promotions are highlighted, researching the latest odds for each World Cup teams can make for some interesting analysis.

South American powers Brazil and Argentina currently top the odds as favourites, although as reigning World Cup champions, France will be seeking another triumph in Qatar. Likewise, teams like England and Spain will certainly be in the mix. But is there scope for other teams to surpass their expectations? Let’s take a look at three national sides who could potentially upset the odds.

Croatia

They have done it before and while the odds are stacked against them again, Croatia have proven their capacity to achieve the unexpected, after reaching the 2018 World Cup final in Russia. Despite having the likes of iconic Real Madrid superstar Luka Modric in their side, the Kockasti (Checkered Ones) are not even considered to be amongst the top ten teams, heading into the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Nevertheless, they should comfortably progress from Group F at the tournament, which contains Belgium as the strongest rival, along with beatable opposition in the shape of Morocco and Canada. But if they make it into the Round of 16, that’s where the real challenge begins, as they would likely come up against either Germany or Spain. But on their day, the Croatians have already shown they can beat such powerful sides.

Currently priced at 41.00 shortest odds to win the World Cup, using the decimal format, this Croatia team certainly has a difficult challenge ahead, albeit one that could bring some very exciting outcomes.

Denmark

There is a stubborn resolve about the Danish national team right now, making them an extremely tough rival that other sides would hope to avoid facing. Unfortunately for reigning 2018 champions France, there will be no avoiding De Rød-Hvide (The Red & Whites) at the 2022 tournament in Qatar. Interestingly, there is recent history between the two nations that could be significant, as we seek to predict some potential surprises.

Denmark comfortably beat France 2-0 in September, when the two sides clashed in the UEFA Nations League, and this followed an equally stunning 2-1 triumph for the Danes in June. Their other opponents in World Cup Group G include Australia and Tunisia, both of whom should provide little resistance for the Danes. Topping the group will be vital, as this could help them avoid Argentina in the Round of 16, making anything possible in the knockout stage.

Can we hope for any kind of Viking raid at the 2022 World Cup? Well, odds ranging from 29.00 to 36.00 would suggest not, although the value of the Danes must not be ignored. They are a side which embodies team spirit, making them fearsome rivals for any opponent.

Portugal

While it might seem strange to cast Portugal as underdogs, especially when considering this is a team which features Cristiano Ronaldo, they are actually regarded as outsiders to win the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. But while their iconic leader and captain may be getting on in years, this squad packed with an excellent mix of experience and youth, which means Os Navegadores (The Navigators) could chart a course towards the final itself.

The draw for Group B placed the Portuguese alongside Ghana, Uruguay, and South Korea, all of whom are tricky opponents, albeit rivals they should be able to beat. Topping this group will be the key objective, as that could help them avoid World Cup favourites Brazil in the knockout Round of 16 stage. Indeed, with a healthy mixture of good fortune and strong performances, this Portugal side could certainly defy their current odds.

Depending on where you look, Portugal are priced anywhere between 13.00 to 18.00 outright odds, making them outsiders with a slim chance of lifting the trophy. Unquestionably, they are a side which cannot be ignored at the upcoming tournament.