No one needs to grow gray hair predicting the favorites and underdogs in Group D because France and Denmark are ranked in FIFA’s top 10, Tunisia and Australia in the top 20, but football is not Maths.
Group D foes kick off on November 22 when Denmark take on Tunisia at the Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan.
France – Blues
Les Bleus come to Qatar with the specter of the 2002 Korea/Japan World Cup in mind. But coach Didier Deschamps’ side will be out to avoid a repeat of their 1998 title defense. In addition to this personal history, the holders of the previous three editions, namely Italy in 2010, Spain in 2014 and Germany in 2018, did not make it out of the group stage.
Talent is not the problem for France, the problem lies in the inability of the players to combine hard work and versatility. The runners-up suffered major blows with injuries to Paul Pogba and Ngolo Kante but midfielders Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga are expected to come of age in Qatar.
FIFA Ranking: 4
Player to watch
It’s hard to choose between Karim Benzema and Kylian Mbappe. The former recently won his first Ballon d’Or and will be expected to live up to France’s hopes and aspirations after missing out four years ago. Today, Mbappe is the most talented youngster in the world. If they could put aside their personal egos and forge a common goal, this French team could go all the way again.
Denmark – Red and white
Denmark were one of the surprise teams in the last edition of Russia, losing to Croatia on penalties in the round of 16. They came close to glory at the 2021 European Championship, reaching the semi-finals despite Christian Erickson’s heartbreak. arrest It is on record that Denmark beat France twice in four months in the UEFA Nations League.
Eriksen is back and he’s going to pull through from midfield despite coach Kasper Hjulmand telling everyone to calm down and not put pressure on the players. Expect Hjulmand to stick to his 3-4-3 formation against strong opponents and the attacking 4-3-3 against weak ones.
FIFA Ranking: 10
Player to watch
A healthy Eriksen, with his deft footwork, impeccable service and vision to unlock defences, will be the talisman to lift the Danes in Qatar.
Australia – Socceroos
A busy schedule and the Aussies’ bumpy road to qualification saw the Socceroos play a grueling 20 games, two group stages, a regional playoff and an intercontinental playoff that could wear any team down.
It’s no small feat for Australia to keep their heads above the parapet of disbelief, as coach Graham Arnold kept telling all doubting Thomaseses back home that they’re not coming to Qatar to make up numbers.
FIFA Ranking: 38
Player To Watch-Ajdin Hrustic
Look no further than the 26-year-old Hrustic, who played a key role in Eintracht Frankfurt’s fairytale run that saw the German side take the lead. UEFA Europa League last season He will bear the hopes and aspirations of Australia in Qatar.
Tunisia – Eagles of Carthage
Of all the teams in the African qualifiers, Carthage Eagles secured an easy draw, beating Mali over two legs to book passage to Qatar.
Known for their long history of coming to the World Cup to make up the numbers, the North African nation have yet to make it past the group stage in five World Cup appearances and it remains to be seen whether they prove otherwise. Qatar
FIFA Ranking: 30
Player To Watch-Ellyes Skhiri
Skhiri will be central to Tunisia’s campaign in Qatar. This talented box-to-box player has been an essential defensive cog in Tunisia’s midfield. He has a unique ability to intercept and win the second ball, as well as snuff-out attacks. He has come of age, and there is no better platform to showcase his talents than the World Cup.
Group D predictions
France will work against Denmark, which they have not been able to dominate for a long time now. But Les Bleus will pick two wins over Australia and Tunisia to go away with seven points, while Denmark need to beat Tunisia and Australia and then share it with France. As for Tunisia, if they beat Australia, they would respect them with three points, it will be the Socceroos boys.
The games
November 22, 2022
16:00 Denmark v Tunisia
22:00 France v Australia
November 26, 2022
13:00 Tunisia v Australia
19:00 France – Denmark
November 30, 2022
18:00 Australia v Denmark
18:00 Tunisia-France
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