2022 World Cup: Group G
Brazil (1st)
Brazil are repeat champions when it comes to the World Cup. They have won the tournament 5 times. The last victory came in 2002. However, since they have struggled to make it back to the finals. They have lost in the quarter-finals 3 times. They placed 4th in 2014. Brazil did win the 2019 Copa America. They finished 2nd to Argentina in the 2021 Copa America. Brazil is in impeccable form. 13 games without a loss. Brazil has won 8 of these games by more than 2 goals. Brazil won against Tunisia(30th), Ghana(61st), Japan(24th), South Korea(28th), Bolivia(82nd), Chile (29th), Paraguay(47th), Colombia(17th), and Uruguay(14th) during this streak. They drew against Argentina(3rd), Colombia(17th), and Ecuador(44th).
Brazil’s Strength is its talent. Brazil has some of the most talented players in the world. Neymar, Marquinhos, Fabinho, Alisson, Casemiro, Gabriel Jesus, and Vinicius Junior. All are among the best in their position or have the potential to be the best.
Brazil’s “Weakness” is its defense. They do not have as strong of a backline as they have in the midfield and on the attack. Marquinhos is their only defensive star. Their defense is better than most.
Player to Watch: Gabriel Jesus
The 25-year-old striker has been in form for his club. Through 12 league games, Jesus has scored 5 and recorded 6 assists. This is the first real-time Jesus has received a regular amount of starting time. This will be his first national team tournament since becoming a starter. This will be a breakout tournament for him.
Serbia (21st)
Serbia has struggled in the World Cup since the fall of Yugoslavia, failing to make it out of the group stage since. Serbia has not qualified for the European Championship since the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. Serbia’s form has been excellent.7 wins through the last 10 games, with major wins over Norway(42nd), Portugal(9th), Hungary(36th), and Sweden(25th). They have lost two games to Denmark(10th) and Norway(42nd).
Serbia’s Strength is on the attack. Aleksandar Mitrović is on fire on the club level, scoring 9 goals through 12 games in the English Premier League. Dušan Vlahović is also on fire in the Serie A League. 6 goals and 1 assist through 10 games.
Serbia’s Weakness is in net. Serbia does not have a keeper in form currently. Vanja Milinković-Savić has allowed 14 goals through 12 games. Marko Dmitrović has not been regularly playing, and when he did play, he conceded 3 goals through 3 games.
Player to Watch: Strahinja Pavlović
The 21-year-old is in impeccable form for his RB Salzburg in Austria. His 6’4 frame grants a significant strength boost over his opponents. His height advantage sees him win 4 aerial duels per 90 minutes. He blocks 1 and a half shots on goal per 90. A strong performance at the World Cup could see him move to a top team in Europe.
Switzerland (15th)
Switzerland has been a middle team in the World Cup. The highest finish ever achieved was the quarter-final in 1954. More recently, they can make it out of groups but typically exit in the round of 16. They have had more success in the European Championship. The Swiss finished in the quarter-finals in 2020. Switzerland’s form started putrid and has recovered. They lost 4 of their first 5 games.They have lost to Spain(7th), Portugal(9th), the Czech Republic(35th), and England(5th). They drew with Kosovo(107th). Recently, they have 3 straight victories against Spain(7th), Portugal(9th), and the Czech Republic(35th).
Switzerland’s Strength is its system of play. They do not have the best players in the world. When they are clicking they can beat the best teams in the world.
Switzerland’s Weakness comes from its system. If the squad is not clicking, they are not going to win against weaker teams. Let alone the best teams. The system causes a lack of creativity, which is needed to salvage games where they are not clicking.
Player to Watch: Breel Embolo
The 25-year-old forward is in form at the club level. With 6 goals and 2 assists through 13 league games. Embolo has been the go-to forward for Switzerland. On the National level, he has scored 5 goals and 3 assists through the last 10 games. Embolo is going to be a vital part of Switzerland if they go far in the tournament.
Cameroon (43rd)
Cameroon is looking to improve its performance in the World Cup. Making it out of the group stage once in 1990. Cameroon failed to qualify for the last World Cup in Russia. Cameroon has been successful in the Africa Cup of Nations, winning the tournament in 2017, and placing 3rd in 2021. Cameroon’s recent form is terrible. Victories over Comoros(129th) and Gambia(126th), before drawing against Egypt(39th) and Burkina Faso(54th). A loss to Algeria (37th) and then defeating Algeria(37th) in the second leg to qualify for the World Cup. A win against Burundi(141st). The most recent games resulted in two losses. One to Japan(24th), and a shocking one to Uzbekistan(77th).
Cameroon’s Strength
Cameroon’s attack is their strength. Karl Toko Ekambi has been amazing at the club level. Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting is also in amazing form at his club. Cameroon’s forwards are playing against the best teams and are doing phenomenally well.
Cameroon’s Weakness
Cameroon’s depth at defense is their biggest weakness. They are all incredibly young as well. Centre-backs are a group of players that do not reach their peak until 29 years old. Inexperience at the back and injuries at the back can devastate them, ruining any chance of making it out of the group stage.
Player to Watch: Karl Toko Ekambi
The 30-year-old attacking midfielder is playing some of the best soccer of his life. Comparable to the likes of Rafael Leao and Leroy Sane when in the midfield. On attack, he rivals the likes of Sadio Mane and Son Heung-min. He is scoring more goals than Christian Ronaldo per 90 minutes while taking fewer shots than Christian Ronaldo.
Predictions
- Brazil 1st
- Serbia 2nd
- Switzerland 3rd
- Cameroon 4th
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