The biggest stories of the 2022 World Cup group stage
We are now getting to crunch time in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, with the knockout stages getting underway in the coming days. There are no more hiding places, as teams attempt to build momentum in the hope of lifting the trophy at the Lusail Iconic Stadium on December 18.
There are some exciting last-16 ties to look forward to, not least Argentina’s clash with underdogs Australia. It’s no surprise that Lionel Scaloni’s men are favourites to progress in the Argentina v Australia odds, but they’ll need to be on top form to get the better of an Aussie side full of confidence.
So, as we say goodbye to the group stage, let’s take a look at some of the biggest stories that have defined this World Cup so far.
The defending champions progressed
It might not seem that significant, but when you consider that the defending champions had failed to progress from the group stage in each of the last three World Cups, it’s quite impressive that France have managed to break the curse with such ease to reach the round of 16.
A commanding 4-1 win over Australia set an immediate marker in their opening game, and that was followed by a hard-fought 2-1 victory against Denmark to ensure top spot in Group C was all but confirmed.
A host of personnel changes contributed to a 1-0 loss to Tunisia in the final game of the group, but France had done enough to ensure they went through as group winners. Can they go on and defend the title?
Big upsets
This year’s group stage has been notable for the number of surprising results that have occurred. It all started with Argentina’s shock defeat to Saudi Arabia in Lusail. Having taken the lead through Lionel Messi’s penalty, it looked like a routine afternoon was in store for Argentina, who had the ball in the net four times throughout the first half before being ruled offside, but a quickfire Saudi double in the second half saw the Middle Eastern side claim the spoils.
Just two days later, Germany were humbled in similar fashion by Japan. Having taken the lead through an Ilkay Gundogan penalty, the 2014 champions continued to dominate. However, late goals from Ritsu Doan and Takumo Asano stunned Germany.
Another shock was Belgium’s defeat to Morocco. A turgid display from Roberto Martinez’s side inspired hope in the Moroccan players, and they duly delivered a 2-0 win that sent shockwaves through Group F.
Drama in Group C
The final night of Group C provided plenty of excitement and entertainment. Argentina went into the game knowing that they needed to win to, in all likelihood, go through as group winners, and they duly delivered a commanding performance against Poland.
With Mexico taking a 2-0 lead over Saudi Arabia in the other fixture at the same time, it was neck-and-neck between Poland and Mexico for second place.
At one point, it was only yellow cards that separated the two teams, but a late Saudi Arabia goal in Lusail ensured that Poland’s place in the knockout stage was secured on goal difference.
