Another FIFA World Cup is nearly here and while our eyes will be fixed on the Socceroos in the group stages, who will actually win the whole thing?
France arrive as defending champions but recent history suggests they could face an early exit with past winners developing a habit of crashing out in the group stages straight after winning the title.
Les Bleus have also been in mixed form so far in 2022 and have a squad currently plagued by concerning injuries.
Last but not least, they’re in Australia’s group so they’re pretty much screwed if Graham Arnold and Jason Cummings have anything to say about it.
But in all seriousness, if I was to do some World Cup betting over the next month, my money would overwhelmingly be on Argentina to win it.
The squad will head to Qatar on a 35-game unbeaten run, with a well-oiled squad and a Lionel Messi in fine form looking to claim the one title that has so far alluded him.
This will be Messi’s last World Cup and the signs seem to be pointing to a fairytale send-off. Despite his age, Messi has been in fine form with PSG this season and looks more than capable of tearing any side apart.
Argentina themselves look a new side since Lionel Scaloni took over as coach and have that rare mix of attacking flair and defensive grit.
They’re also one of few sides to have recently beaten current world number one Brazil, who will no doubt back their own chances to win the World Cup.
The Selecao may seem like a tempting contender but those scars of 2014 may still be lingering and they don’t seem quite as well-rounded as Argentina do right now.
The warmer conditions of Qatar will also inevitably favour sides from South America, Africa and Asia.
European teams have won each World Cup since 2002 but you’d be brave to bet on them this time around.
Belgium, Spain, Germany and England all look good on paper but it’s hard seeing their players perform at the best at the tail-end of a year and in much warmer conditions than they’re used to.
I’d love to see a team from Africa or Asia triumph but no nation really jumps out on paper.
Japan should be viewed as a real dark horse, but for them to go all the way would take something very special.
Qatar could also surprise a few people on home soil but no amount of money could see them actually win the World Cup. Hosting rights are another matter…
Anyhow, you heard it here first, Argentina to win the 2022 World Cup.
If I’m wrong, my bad, don’t bet your house on it or anything.
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