The modern era of supremacy is at risk of changing due to the parity that abounds at the 2022 World Cup. Over the past twelve years, European powerhouses have slowly established dominance on the international stage.
Of the last five World Cup finals played, eight out of 10 finalists have been European teams. The other two are South American, with Brazil and Argentina making each appearance.
At the 2018 FIFA World Cup, Croatia faced France in a fantastic final. France emerges triumphant 4-2.
In 2014, Germany beat Argentina 1-0. Along the way, the Germans demolished host nation Brazil 7-1.
The 2010 and 2006 World Cup final matches featured European teams in required extra time. Spain lifted its first trophy in 2010. Italy closed its fourth four years earlier. In 2010, Spain beat the Netherlands 1-0 after extra time.
In 2002, Brazil beat Germany 2-0, thanks to a .
You can see the trend in the past 20 years. Most of the time, a European team emerged as the reigning world champion. Also, their opponent in the final was a European team.
Now, the World Cup in Qatar 2022 is approaching. This year, there is a different feeling in preparing for the tournament.
Parity across the board at the 2022 World Cup
A wealth of talent fuels a buoyant sense of optimism outside of South America. Neymar, Vinicius Junior, Gabriel Jesus and Antony represent Brazil. On the Argentine payroll: Messi, Dybala, Papu Gómez, Lautauro Martínez and Ángel Di María.
However, both teams have been constantly plagued by defensive weaknesses and lack of physicality over the years, costing them in big tournament matches against physical and well-disciplined European teams.
That is the most striking change for these two sides in particular. Brazil grew. The firm Thiago Silva arrives in good form despite his age, accompanying Marquinhos, one of the best central defenders in the world at the time. However, the midfield is the true catalyst for Brazil. The recent association of Fred and Casemiro at club level allows attacking players freedom to advance. In 20 games as starters Casemiro and Fred, Brazil has 18 wins, one draw and one loss.
A similar story is true for Argentina. With the emergence of Lisandro Martínez from Manchester United and Cristian Romero from Tottenham Hotspur, along with the form of Emi Martínez in goal, Argentina overcame the error-prone days of Marcos Rojo and Nicolás Otamendi. The backbone of your team is now solid and consistent. Rodrigo de Paul and Leandro Paredes form a formidable shield in midfield, reminiscent of the partnership of Fred and Casemiro for their bitter rivals Brazil. Above, Lionel Messi arrives for the last time at the World Cup with the Albiceleste. He inspires a team and a nation to success.
That said, while much of the optimism about both teams’ chances stems from their own aforementioned improvements, the decline of Europe’s elite teams is playing a key role.
european elite
There are a number of great teams throughout Europe. However, none of them stand out as true world class, particularly given their recent form. Germany, England, France and others seem shaken, unconfident and ready to be taken.
Portugal has a very heavy team, with four aging defenders losing goals. Rubén Dias is huge, yes, but his partner lately has been Danilo Pereira, a defensive midfielder by trade. They can’t seem to figure out who fits the mold to sit next to him. They can be obtained.
Sharing the Iberian Peninsula, Spain look fantastic in possession. But, the lack of a world-class No. 9 could prove detrimental to a more-than-talented midfield. For all of Spain’s possession stats, they struggle to score goals. The last great scorer they had was David Villa. He retired from the national team in 2017.
Disciplined, strong and clinical are common themes for Germany. Star power isn’t necessarily the team’s strong point. This German squad doesn’t have a Miroslav Klose or a Mario Gomez who can score goals at will on the biggest stage. While Thomas Müller is shifting towards more of a playmaker role in midfield, the subsequent options at the top have failed to impress. Kai Havertz and Timo Werner show flashes but lack consistency. Even then, consistency isn’t necessarily the key in a World Cup. A player only needs to have a good six or seven games. Germany has all the quality in the world, but is waiting to see if one of those young talents can emerge at the top.
The Netherlands and Denmark are two teams to target as dark horses for the World Cup. They are both in fantastic form in the last two years. While not the traditional talents of France or Germany, they are both genuine contenders at the 2022 World Cup who can provide parity.
Semi-finalists of the last World Cup
France have all the necessary pieces to dominate, and yet they have lacked the mental fortitude and courage to deliver results from difficult positions of late. Just look at their collapse at the European Championship against Switzerland in the round of 16. Despite all the talent they have, they haven’t been able to get the job done and get results like any champion should.
England have so many streaks that they can prove they are the best in the world one day and then get beaten 4-0 by Hungary on another. Who knows which team will make it to the world cup. If they can stay consistent, they have the players to go far. The question is, will they survive the pressure?
Belgium have an aging squad, the last years of a “golden generation” that includes Eden Hazard, Romelu Lukaku, Jan Vertonghen, Toby Alderweireld (yes, they are both still playing), Kevin De Bruyne and Dries Mertens. He has shown time and time again that he has immense quality, but he doesn’t have what it takes to reach a final.
The time has come for the scale of domination to change. The European heavyweights are ripe for the taking, with both Argentina and Brazil stronger than they have been for the last decade and a half.
We will have to wait and see if any of the teams have what it takes to lift this year’s world cup. This is your best chance in years to lift the world’s most coveted trophy and usher in a new era of international ascendancy.
PHOTO: IMAGO / Pixsell
