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How to back all 32 teamss at the World Cu up

THERE are a myriad of betting markets for punters at any World Cup and this one is no exception. And while 5,000-1 Leicester proved that miracles sometimes do happen when they won the Premier League in 2016, there are a number of nations you can almost certainly put a line through with regards to their chances of being crowned world champions.

But there are still opportunities to profit from their World Cup campaigns, so having analysed each team’s prospects for Qatar 2022 our team of experts have picked out a potential wager for all of the 32 nations on show.

Argentina

To win the World Cup and L Messi top goalscorer

It’s the most obvious related contingency of the tournament and therefore you can’t get a straight double, but if you fancy Argentina to win the World Cup or you like Lionel Messi to be the top scorer then the other almost goes hand in hand.

Messi has rediscovered his zip at Paris St-Germain this season and has almost felt like a batsman just playing himself in. He is now set and, after doing the hard work to hit top form after last season’s woes, Messi is likely to convert it into a big score.

Mark Langdon

Australia

J Maclaren top team goalscorer Goals are likely to be in short supply for Australia at the World Cup so in a market where one goal might be enough to land the odds, and with Hibernian’s Martin Boyle an injury doubt, Jamie Maclaren looks the goto man.

Maclaren is expected to get the nod over Jason Cummings and Mitchell Duke leading the line, especially given he has topped the A-League scoring charts in each of the past two seasons and already has eight goals in six games during the new campaign.

The 29-year-old should be on penalty duty – he has already netted from the spot four times for Melbourne City this term – and he has eight goals to show for his 26 caps. Aaron Ashley

Belgium

Under 7.5 tournament goals Belgium have been free-scoring at their last three international tournaments, netting 16 times at the 2018 World Cup, but may find goals harder to come by.

The Red Devils’ main source of goals, Romelu Lukaku, has been battling injury all season while Eden Hazard and Dries Mertens are no longer the attacking forces they once were.

All three of Belgium’s group-stage opponents appear defensively sound based on their qualifying records, and this could be more of a grind for Kevin De Bruyne and Co than their previous group campaigns.

Chris Rivers

Brazil

G Jesus top team goalscorer Moving to Arsenal has been the making of Gabriel Jesus, who has relished the extra responsibility of leading the Gunners’ attack.

Jesus had a decent career at Manchester City but he was often frustrated by being either left on the bench or played on the wing. However, Mikel Arteta fancied Jesus as a number nine and he has been proved right, with the Brazilian turning in a string of superb performances.

Jesus has played all across the front line for Brazil but he approaches the tournament full of confidence and could score a hatful. Dan Childs

Cameroon

B Mbeumo top team goalscorer Cameroon are unlikely to score many goals and their more experienced attackers could be upstaged by Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo, who has the ability to make an impact on his World Cup debut.

Mbeumo featured for France at youth level but pledged his allegiance to Cameroon this year and was handed his first taste of international football in September friendlies against Uzbekistan and South Korea.

Mbeumo is not certain to start every game for the Indomitable Lions but his pace will be a weapon on the counter and he has the quality and composure to deliver when chances arise. Dan Childs

Canada

J David top team goalscorer Only three players – two of whom are PSG superstars Neymar and Kylian Mbappe – have scored more goals in Ligue 1 than Lille’s Jonathan David this season, and if Canada are to bag a first-ever World Cup goal he is the most likely source.

David has plundered 22 goals in 34 appearances for Canada, including a nine-goal haul in qualifying, and arrives in Qatar in far better form than the Reds’ leader scorer from qualifying Cyle Larin, who has barely played for Club Brugge.

His pace and movement are enough to trouble most defenders and, out of him and Larin, David should be the one finishing off any moves for the ambitious Canucks.

Chris Rivers

Costa Rica

Zero total group points

Costa Rica defied expectations to top the group of death at the 2014 World Cup but they have an ageing squad and could have a much tougher time of it in Qatar.

Keylor Navas, Bryan Ruiz and Celso Borges were in the team eight years ago but are now past their best and they are unlikely to lay a glove on either of Spain or Germany in Group E. With limited attacking options they could also struggle against Japan, so it would be no surprise if Los Ticos were to bow out pointless. Liam Flin

Croatia

Last-16 elimination

Croatia’s experience and tenacity should see them justify odds-on qualification quotes but the 2018 World Cup runners-up could see their adventure ended in the first knockout round.

Spain concluded Croatia’s Euro 2020 involvement at the last-16 stage and the two sides could clash for the second tournament running with La Roja or Germany their two most likely opponents in the round of 16.

Although Croatia have the ability to make life hard for either of those European heavyweights, they could ultimately come up short in the first knockout round. Chris Rivers

Denmark

To reach the quarter-finals Denmark may be many punter’s idea of a dark horse at this year’s World Cup and they could live up to those expectations.

Reigning world champions France are underwhelming odds-on favourites for sectional supremacy in Group D given some key injuries to their midfield ranks, so there’s every chance that Euro 2020 semi-finalists Denmark can top the section which would reward them with a favourable last-16 encounter.

Providing Argentina make the most of a generous group draw, Kasper Hjulmand’s side are then expected to face Mexico or Poland, a tie they would be worthy favourites for and that makes them strong contenders for a spot in the quarter-finals.

Even if they finish second in Group D, they might be good enough to topple Argentina. Aaron Ashley

Ecuador

No goalscorer in Ecuador v Senegal (November 29) Ecuador’s Enner Valencia has scored 13 times in his first 12 Super Lig appearances for Fenerbahce this season but the goals may not flow so freely for the striker on international duty.

La Tri found the net only six times in nine away World Cup qualifiers and their 2022 friendly results included goalless draws against Mexico, Saudi Arabia and Japan as well as 1-0 wins over Nigeria and Cape Verde.

Senegal’s three group games at the Africa Cup of Nations produced only one goal, a Sadio Mane spot-kick, and no goalscorer is a big runner in Ecuador’s final group game against the Lions of Teranga. James Milton

England

Over 8.5 tournament goals

There will always be doubts over Gareth Southgate’s perceived cautious streak, but the draw does suggest England should score plenty of goals.

England’s tournament goals line has been set at 8.5, which was cleared easily at the Euro 2020 despite a circumspect start – they scored 11 times in last summer’s European Championship – and also three years earlier in Russia when they scored 12 goals.

England are a team who have only to turn it on once to go big, as demonstrated against section minnows Panama, who they thumped 6-1 at the last World Cup, or Ukraine, who they tonked 4-0 in the quarter-finals of Euro 2020.

Steve Davies

‘. appr‘ . Moving to Arsenal has been the making of Gabriel Jesus, who hasi irelished the extra responsibility leading the Gunners’ attack. He. oaches the tournament full of confidence and could score a hatful.

Japan

D Kamada top team goalscorer With Spain and Germany in their section it is unlikely to rain goals for Japan in Qatar, but attacking midfielder Daichi Kamada looks a good bet to be their top scorer. He scored twice in the Champions League group stage for Eintracht Frankfurt this season and led the way with five goals as Frankfurt won the Europa League last term. Japan’s lack of a top striker means Kamada will be needed to delve forwards and he could be the Blue Samurai’s primary threat. Liam Flin

Mexico

A Vega top team goalscorer

All you really need to know about Alexis Vega’s potential is that in the Spanish newspapers he is being linked with a move to smart recruiters Brighton, although he has apparently also caught the attention of Real Madrid following his form for

Liga MX outfit Guadalajara. The 24-year-old winger has had the fourth-most shots in the Mexican top flight this season and is starting to look the part for the national team.

He could be the 2018 version of Hirving Lozano, and Mexico top scorer favourite Raul Jimenez looks vulnerable at the odds. Mark Langdon

Morocco

To finish third in Group F

Much has been made of the quality in Morocco’s squad and the subsequent potential for them to cause an upset in Group F, but there are a number of red flags that can’t be ignored when weighing up who makes it out of the section.

An inexperienced head coach, too many out-of-form key players and opening games against Croatia and Belgium represent big obstacles for the Atlas Lions to overcome, although they are fancied to grab only their third-ever win at a World Cup finals in the group finale against Canada to nab third spot. Chris Rivers

Netherlands

C Gakpo top team goalscorer Barcelona ace Memphis Depay is the main man in the Netherlands attack but he has endured an injurydisrupted campaign with the Catalans and was pipped by three-goal Georginio Wijnaldum in the race to be top Dutch scorer at last summer’s European Championship.

It could be worth opposing Depay in the market again with in-form PSV Eindhoven forward Cody Gakpo, who is pushing hard for a place in Louis van Gaal’s starting 11 but also poses a huge threat coming off the bench against weary defences.

Gakpo, who is reportedly on the radar of a number of Premier League clubs, scored seven goals in 13 Under-21 international appearances, notched in two of the Netherlands’ last three Nations League matches and is in the hunt for the Eredivisie Golden Boot. James Milton

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Poland

To draw v Argentina (Nov 30) How feasible does this sound? Well-matched duo Mexico and Poland draw their opening game in a game where both see it as a must-not-lose fixture, while at the same time Argentina see off Saudi Arabia, who are also beaten by the other two teams in Group C.

If that happens the fixture list could fall perfectly for Poland, who take on Argentina last and if Lionel Messi helps to take down Mexico in the second round of matches a point for both the Europeans and South Americans would do nicely on matchday three. Mark Langdon

Portugal

Under 7.5 tournament goals Despite finishing fourth in 2006, Portugal have not scored more than seven goals at a World Cup since the 1966 edition, when Eusebio scored nine of their 17-goal haul.

Even during their 2016 European Championship win the Portuguese scored just nine times, with manager Fernando Santos renowned for his pragmatic playing style.

The absence of Diogo Jota and Pedro Neto through injury further blunts their attack while captain and talisman Cristiano Ronaldo has struggled to make an impact for Manchester United this season.

A tricky round-of-16 clash against Brazil or Serbia is no easy task and this Portugal side look unlikely to cut loose in Qatar. Joe Casey

Qatar

Abdulaziz Hatem top team scorer Qatar striker Almoez Ali has an impressive international record, notching 40 goals in 83 appearances, but he and his fellow forwards are up against three decent defences in their group fixtures.

It may take only one goal to claim the title of Qatar’s top tournament scorer and midfielder Abdulaziz Hatem could be worth supporting in the long-term and match goalscorer markets.

Renowned for spectacular longlong range strikes – Hatem can certainly hit ’em – the Al-Rayyan man has scored ten goals in his last 25 competitive starts for Qatar, including one in the 2019 Asian Cup final against Japan and three in five appearances at the 2021 Concacaf Gold Cup. James Milton

Saudi Arabia Zero total group points

Only once in Saudi Arabia’s World Cup history have they departed with nul points but they may be about to repeat their zero-point haul from 2002 in Qatar despite being helped by playing in a neighbouring country.

Saudi Arabia have only taken points off African teams since 1994 – indeed they have not scored against a European or South American nation since that tournament either – which could be problematic in a group containing Poland and Argentina as well as Mexico.

The lack of a goalscorer in a section which includes Lionel Messi and Robert Lewandowski looks an obvious problem. Mark Langdon

Senegal

Four total group points

Senegal made a slow start to their triumphant Africa Cup of Nations campaign at the beginning of the year, beating Zimbabwe 1-0 thanks to a late, late penalty and being held to goalless stalemates by Guinea and Malawi.

Aliou Cisse’s men may be slowburners once again and an opening defeat to Group A favourites the Netherlands, who have been in excellent form since Euro 2020, could be on the cards.

Senegal should be too strong for Qatar on matchday two but their final game against Ecuador is likely to be tight, so it may be worth backing the Lions of Teranga to pick up exactly four points. James Milton

Serbia

To reach the quarter-finals

Serbia have struggled to make an impact on the biggest stage but that could change in Qatar with Dragan Stojkovic’s men looking capable of a run to the quarter-finals.

Given the quality throughout the squad, Serbia should fancy their chances of qualifying from Group G, and they might not stop there.

The Serbians would have to get past a Group H side in the last 16 and the toughest possible scenario would require them to take on Euro 2016 winners Portugal. However, they took four points off the Portuguese in World Cup qualifying and would have every chance of beating them.

Dan Childs

South Korea

To finish bottom of Group H South Korea have won only three games across their last four World Cup campaigns, and with fitness doubts over talisman Heung-Min Son, they may represent a spot of value to prop up Group H.

Ghana are favourites to finish bottom of the section but have bolstered their ranks in the lead-up to the World Cup with a number of exciting players opting to represent the Black Stars.

Uruguay and Portugal should steer clear of the battle for the bottom so it is likely to be between South Korea and their African counterparts, and the Taeguk Warriors look theth value option given the doubts ove er star man Son. Joe Casey

Spain

Quarter-final elimination

Spain crashed out at the lastt-16 stage in Russia four years ago but the 2010 world champions could go oneo step further this time around. Although Germany look thet better selection to win the section,, Spain should comfortaably find a way out ofo Group E as runnerss-up, meaning thhey would likely face a waningw Belgium side in thhe first knockout round.

That is also a game theyy should be fancied to win but they could meet Portugal in the quarter-finalls, which would be an extremely touggh match to call. Liam Flin

Switzerlan nd Group-stage elimination Switzerland have got past thhe group stage in four of their last five World

Cup participations, but they have been dealt a tough draw in Qatar and are at risk of an early exit.

Murat Yakin’s team finished above Euro 2020 winners Italy in World Cup qualifying but they were inconsistent in the Nations League – winning three and losing three – and their squad appears to lack sufficient star quality to make a major impact.

In comparison with Brazil and Serbia, there is a shortage of firepower in Swiss ranks and they may find themselves edged out in the battle for a last-16 berth. Dan Childs

Tunisia

To be lowest-scoring team

There are a few candidates to be the lowest-scoring team at the World Cup but at 16-1 Tunisia make plenty of appeal.

The Eagles of Carthage failed to score in three of their final five World Cup qualifiers and also fired blanks in three of their five fixtures at the Africa Cup of Nations in January, suggesting they could find it hard to breach even stiffer opposition in Qatar.

Scoring against France and Denmark won’t be easy and Australia are built on strong defensive foundations, so there’s every chance they may not even find the back of the net at all.

Tunisia rely on Wahbi Khazri for creativity and keeping him quiet could silence them. Aaron Ashley

Uruguay

L Suarez top team goalscorer Infamy and Luis Suarez have gone hand in hand at World Cups.

The former Liverpool man took a bite out of Italy stalwart Giorgio Chiellini in Brazil in 2014, four years after his best goalkeeping impression helped Uruguay beat Ghana to a semi-final berth in South Africa.

But he has also been deadly in front of goal, netting seven World Cup finals goals.

Suarez relishes the big occasion and has a solid goalscoring record this year, netting three times in six games for his country. After guiding boyhood club Nacional to the Uruguayan title with eight goals in 14 matches, Suarez will be champing at the bit – rather than defenders, hopefully – to carry his form into Qatar, and he is fancied to top Uruguay’s scoring charts. Joe Casey

USA

W Zimmerman top team goalscorer If the United States play to type then they are going to struggle for goals.

Iran’s parked bus will take some shifting while England are simply a far better outfit, and Wales are canny enough to stay rigid.

So if you’re looking for a top US goalscorer accept that one goal may well be enough, in which case take a chance on someone at big odds like 33-1 Walker Zimmerman.

The giant Nashville centre-back has scored nine MLS goals over the last two years, all headers. Steve Davies

Wales

Last-16 elimination

Wales can pip the US to second spot in Group B and the 5-4 they qualify is a perfectly acceptable way of getting with Rob Page’s Dragons.

But there’s also a case for taking a chance on them going out in the first knockout round, on the understanding they will go through as runners-up and that the Netherlands probably lie in wait in the last 16.

They have already lost to the Dutch twice this year in the Nations League and you would presume it would be a case of third time unlucky, too, should they meet again. Steve Davies

WORLD CUP 2022

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