Historically, African teams are very competitive at World Cups, but they have yet to make that important leap to the semi-finals, where it would be a historic performance. Ghana almost made it in 2010 and Cameroon in Italia 90. Will Qatar be Africa’s moment?
There are arguments to think that some African team can give the surprise, we will analyze a little their situation but if you want to bet, go to https://bookmaker-ratings.com/ where are the best options and odds for a much safer bet.
Ghana, Senegal, Tunisia, Morocco and Cameroon are the representatives of the African confederation and the truth is that there is a lot of football in these teams. but their groups may be more complicated than they seem.
Morocco
The Moroccan national team was placed in a rather difficult group. They open against the last World Cup runners-up, Croatia, in a game that is quite attractive due to the dynamism of the two teams.
This is the most important game for them, as a win could facilitate their passage to the next round.
The second game is against one of the favourites to win the world title, Belgium. If they lose against Croatia, the game against Belgium becomes a win-or-go home situation.
The third game is against North America’s surprise team, Canada. We would think the third game would not matter if the previous results were not positive, but if there is a chance for either team, this is a high voltage game.
Tunisia
The Tunisians perhaps had to deal with one of the toughest groups. Fortunately for them, they open against Denmark, in a fairly even game. Prediction reserved because the two teams have a very similar level.
The second game is difficult to analyze because there is still no opponent. United Arab Emirates, Australia, and Peru are the candidates. None of them look like easy opponents for Tunisia.
France is their third opponent, the reigning world champions. Tunisia can make history with a win against the world champions. Since 2006, the world champions have suffered a horrendous slump and have not progressed beyond the first round. Italy, Spain, and Germany have all suffered unbelievable defeats on the group stage. Tunisia takes the crown away from Les Bleus?
Cameroon
The Indomitable Lions are back in a World Cup and have been placed in sector G. Quite difficult for Cameroon, but not impossible.
If they play at the level they showed at the African Cup, they will be a very dangerous team.
Their first game is against Switzerland, in a match that may be accessible for the Lions; nothing crazy to consider a win.
The second is against the very difficult Serbia, a tough team that left Cristiano’s Portugal in the European play-offs, so it is going to be complicated.
Brazil awaits them in their third match. The five-time world champions could arrive already qualified and relaxed, but if not, they will have to withstand the full force of the fearsome South American attack.
Ghana
While we are on the subject of Portugal, Ghana will have the honour of playing against what looks like Cristiano Ronaldo’s last World Cup and it goes without saying that the game will be very complicated for both teams. The black stars bring a great team and on the other side, the Lusitanians led by CR7 are not an easy thing.
The second match is not against Ronaldo, but against Sonaldo. South Korea is the next opponent, and Heung Min Son is the commander of a well-balanced and fast team that does not want to be left in the first round again. If either Ghana or Korea does not win their first match, this would decide the fate of both.
The third match is against Uruguay, a generation that may be playing its last World Cup and does not want to leave the World Cup so quickly. But Ghana wants revenge for the 2010 match, the famous handball by Suarez, and the penalty by Loco Abreu; this match is in the eyes of the world because of the special spice it has. I think it goes without saying that this is the group of death.
Senegal
The best African team and reigning champions of the continent, they were drawn in a much more accessible group.
They are favourites to advance to the next round and even to reach the quarter-finals.
Their first opponent is the Netherlands, the toughest team in the group. Van Gaal’s men dominated the qualifiers and their level is very high, but Senegal have the team to win and perhaps even top the group.
Then they go against the hosts, who on paper are not a strong opponent, but they are at home, and the support of the fans is important.
The third game is against Ecuador, the weakest South American team. Gustavo Alfaro’s team played well in the qualifiers, but in the end, their level dropped. For Senegal it should not be an obstacle, and they will surely be in the second round.
Who will go further
It all depends on the clashes in Round of 16.
But the team with the “easiest” path is Senegal. The African champions are at a spectacular level and Sadio Mane has become one of the best players on the planet.
Maybe Cameroon can give a lot to talk about, but their crossing is not easy at all; they could meet someone from the group of death where Ghana is.
Who do you fancy making history in Qatar?
