The favourites' path to FIFA World Cup glory

Now the Round of 16 has been finalised, we take a look at who the pre-tournament favourites will have to face to reach the final and have the chance of lifting the FIFA World Cup trophy.

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From L-R: France's Kylian Mbappe, Argentina's Lionel Messi, Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo and Brazil's Richarlison in action at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Source: Getty

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Argentina - 1st in Group C

Every Australian football fan by now would know that Argentina will face the Socceroos in the Round of 16 after La Albiceleste topped Group C with wins over Mexico and Poland. If they beat Australia, a quarter-final with the winner of the Netherlands and USA awaits, a semi-final encounter with Japan, Croatia, etc will be the last opponent standing between them and a first World Cup final appearance since 2014.

Brazil - First in Group G

The Seleção picked up wins over Serbia and Switzerland to finish top of their group despite a sensational loss to Cameroon in their last match. Even after losing Neymar they've looked like they're ready to live up to the hype bestowed upon them before the tournament, and will face Korea Republic in the Round of 16. If they're successful, a semi-final against one of Australia, Argentina, Netherlands or the USA awaits on their mission for a sixth World Cup title.

England - 1st in Group B

The Three Lions got off to a flyer with an impressive 6-2 thrashing of Iran in their first match before a scoreless draw with the USA and a 3-0 win over Wales saw them top Group B. Now into the knockouts, England come up against Senegal, who without Sadio Mane, held on in their last match against Ecuador to finish second in Group A. If they can beat the Lions of Teranga, they'll face the winner of France and Poland in the quarter-finals, and if England can replicate their 2018 run and reach the semi-finals, they'll play one of Morocco, Spain, Portugal or Switzerland for another chance to bring football home.

France - 1st in Group D

Despite fielding quite a different squad than their championship run in 2018 due to a number of injuries, Les Bleus' depth and quality shone through as they notched wins over Australia and Denmark to top Group D. They now face Poland for a spot in the quarter-finals where a matchup with England or Senegal would greet them, and if they move on from there, the semi-finals will see them take on one of Morocco, Spain, Portugal or Switzerland.

Portugal - 1st in Group H

The strongest Portuguese squad in quite some time brought big expectations and sealed qualification to the knockout stages with wins over Ghana and Uruguay before losing to Korea Republic in their final match. A meeting with Switzerland awaits in the Round of 16 and, with a win there, a quarter-final with the winner of Spain and Morocco will follow. If they make the semi-finals, one of France, Poland, Senegal or England await them for the chance to go one better than their third-placed result in 1966.

Spain - 2nd in Group E

After Luis Enrique's side came out and thrashed Costa Rica 7-0 in their opening match, few would have expected them to finish second behind Japan, but this World Cup has had more surprises than ever. A draw with Germany and loss to Japan in their next two set them up for a clash with the Atlas Lions of Morocco in the Round of 16, who beat out Belgium and Croatia for top spot in Group F. If the 2010 champions beat Morocco, the quarter-finals will see them take on the winner of Portugal and Switzerland, and if they win that, they'll meet one of France, Poland, Senegal or England for a spot in the final.

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4 min read
Published 3 December 2022 9:39am
By SBS Sport
Source: SBS


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