Rumble in Qatar
Biggest games of the group stage at the 2022 World Cup
THE FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 kicks off on Monday as 32 teams aim to reach the final and become world champions on Dec 18. It’s the first time the World Cup will be held in the Arab world and only the second to take place in Asia, after Japan and South Korea joint-hosted the event in 2002.
Plenty of the groups provide intrigue and here’s some of the biggest matches of the opening round to circle in your calendars (in chronological order and Malaysian time).
Senegal vs Netherlands (Tues Nov 22 12.01am)
The opening day of the World Cup kicks off with hosts Qatar facing Ecuador but it’s Group A’s second game that really sets the pulses racing. Senegal are the strongest of the five African representatives in Qatar – as proven by their triumph at the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year and their two-legged victory over Egypt to reach the World Cup – and a game against three-time finalists Netherlands is an enticing prospect that could also include Sadio Mane coming up against Liverpool teammate Virgil van Dijk. The winner of this contest will be in prime position to qualify from Group A
Belgium vs Canada (Thurs Nov 24 3am)
Currently sitting at No. 2 in the FIFA World Rankings, Belgium are undoubtedly a world-class side but one still lacking a trophy as their much-vaunted “golden generation” continues to age. Roberto Martinez’s side will be heavy favourites in their Group F opener against Canada but just a second meeting in the sides’ history – and a first in a competitive game – will provide plenty of excitement. The Canadians are at a World Cup for only the second time, after making their debut in 1986, but have the talent to spring an upset.
France vs Denmark (Sun Nov 27 12.01am)
Not since Brazil in 1962 have the reigning World Cup winners defended their title but France will be looking to buck that trend in Qatar. They begin with a game against whichever team emerges from the intercontinental playoff between Peru and Australia or UAE but Denmark may prove their toughest Group D foes. It will be a fourth World Cup match between the sides, with an uninspiring 0-0 draw in Russia four years ago the most recent clash, and Christian Eriksen potentially playing in a major tournament for the first time since his cardiac arrest during Euro 2020 adds another element
to proceedings.
Argentina vs Mexico (Sun Nov 27 3am)
The only group-stage fixture between two teams both currently in the top 10 of the FIFA World Rankings, the Latin American derby between Argentina and Mexico could well decide who tops Group C. The sides are relatively regular foes on the international stage and Mexico will be hunting a first victory over La Albiceleste since the 2004 Copa America, having failed in ten attempts since. In what is likely Lionel Messi’s final World Cup, the Argentines won’t want to slip up however.
Spain vs Germany (Mon Nov 28 3am)
Two European heavyweights who have undergone something of rebuild over the past couple of years clash in a mouth-watering Group E fixture. The World Cup will be a litmus test of just how far along both nations are as they look to recapture former glories. With five wins between them, they certainly don’t lack for history at the global showpiece and this game will be a rematch of the 2010 World Cup semifinal when Spain triumphed 1-0 thanks to Carles Puyol’s goal.
Iran vs United States (Wed Nov 30 3am)
Perhaps unsurprisingly, given the complex geo-political relationship between the countries, Iran and the United States have only squared off in men’s football twice in their history. The first of those matches memorably came at the 1998 World Cup – with a delicately choreographed pre-game ceremony including the Iranian players gifting white roses to the Americans as a symbol of peace before Iran triumphed 2-1 for a first-ever victory at a World Cup Finals. The match was described as the “most politically charged game in World Cup history” and given that relations between the countries have been up and down ever since, the 2022 encore promises to have its own unique atmosphere.
Ghana vs Uruguay (Fri Dec 2 11pm)
Another group-stage match with a memorable World Cup history, Ghana and Uruguay have only met once but it’s a game that will live in infamy. In the 2010 World Cup quarterfinals, the sides were locked at 1-1 approaching the end of extra-time when Dominic Adiyiah’s header was flying into the goal, only for Uruguay striker Luis Suarez to blatantly save the shot with his hands. Suarez was given a red card but Asamoah Gyan missed the subsequent penalty, Ghana lost the shootout and heartbreakingly missed out on becoming the first African side in history to reach a World Cup semifinal. Suarez is surely still public enemy number one in Ghana and the fact he could be playing in the 2022 rematch adds some extra spice to this Group H fixture.