My 2022 World Cup Group Stage Predictions: What do you think?

By this time tomorrow, the World Cup will have started and would know the actual result between Qatar and Ecuador. So what will it be? I'll stick to my 1:1 prediction but can see Qatar actually winning too.

 

cool

 

Draw is a highly likely result.

Also a VAR assisted penalty 1-0 victory for Qatar I could see.

I believe Qatar got a soft PK to win their opening Arab Cup game in 2021.

 

2-1 Qatar

An experienced team who prepared many years for this moment vs a young team that lacks the serenity especially infront of the goal.

 

Ecuador 3 - Qatar 0

 

2-1 or 2-0 for Ecuador.

 

Nope, it was a legit goal. I think the 2nd game vs Oman, they had a soft penalty + late injury time winner or something like that. Ironically, they were eliminated vs Algeria via a last minute penalty.... anyway, opening day goal is around the 7.20 mark. Also, this is the same stadium as the Arab Cup opening so expect something similar....

 

There is not such a gap right now between top 2nd tier Asian teams and 2nd tier South American teams. Your prediction looks way off to me.

It's time for you guys to wake up and admit the reality.

 

Quite optimistic I have to say. Personally I don't see that. And I know Ecuador pretty well.

 

I know Qatar pretty well and they are extremely fragile. They are not gonna beat a team that managed to contain decently the Argentina or Brazil attack.
At best they can get a draw if Ecuador leaves their finishing at home once more.

 

That's my score prediction as well. I can't see either side keeping a clean sheet.
And since Qatar are better in the attack than Ecuador plus they play at home they should be able to get the three points on the board the way I see it.

 

They were fragile in meaningless friendlies and in games played away from home.

This is a World Cup opener at home. They prepared for this for many years.
They have players with better output upfront than Ecuador. On paper they have the edge over Ecuador chemistry wise as well.

The reality is the best Ecuador can realistically achieve is a scoring draw.

Qatar are not losing this.

 

Would like to see the host nation win the opening game minus the 'controversies' and conspiracies off course. Will give the tournament a good kick start, locals celebrating in the streets, positive vibes etc.
As always there will be a couple of surprise packets (Senegal, Serbia) and a few disasters (Germany, England).
As for my country it's pretty much the worst Socceroo squad for the last 20 years, We're just a hotch potch collection of C and D graders shattered in mostly the lower leagues around the globe but as always tough, competitive and always plenty of spirit about. Will be wrapped if we can somehow get to the 3rd game vs Denmark still alive.

 

I’m sticking with 0-0. Both teams will play cautiously, afraid to lose more than determined to win.

 

Why should they play cautiously? Either side knows that they have to start off with a win if they are serious about making it out of the group.

I'm feeling an exciting match with chances for both teams and goals on both ends.

 

I have the "Socceroos" finishing 32nd.

 

No way Ecusdor will play like that. In their eyes Qatar is the weakest opponent and they need a win.

As for Qatar, I don't believe it's in their coach's philosophy to do that.

 

I think a draw as well. My only decision is if its worth getting up at 2 AM on a monday morning to watch the game. The schedule makes it reasonable for me on the days with 4 time slots. I get the first game at 9PM, then go to bed and get up for the last game at 6AM. The only games I will definitely be up for in the middle of the night are Denmark v Australia and the final. For others I will just see who ends up playing who before deciding if it's worth losing sleep to watch live.

 

Qatar will play cautiously because they don't want to go pointless in this World Cup, and Ecuador is their best chance to avoid that.

Ecuador because of the alleged bribes. Even if most people know they are bogus, there's been enough attention to it that a loss will be problematic, and especially if it is due to a cheap goal.

Not to mention neither team is known for scoring an abundance of goals.

 

Your DVR is your friend. At least it is mine. I will probably record everything and watch over the course of the day. I'm not getting up at 2AM and 5AM for the early matches. Of course that means I can't post or read here for most of the day, but that can't be helped.

 

I hope Qatar wins and I hope iran wins against England. Sick of this western virtue signalling.