Last chance to see some of the biggest stars on the world stage
The names of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have defined topflight football for the best part of a decade. But, with the two stars now aged 35 and 37 respectively, and a new generation of stars waiting in the wings, this may be their last World Cup.
Ronaldo is no longer first choice at Manchester United, and Messi and Ronaldo alike will see this competition as a chance to end incredible international careers on a high. So, enjoy these stars while you can at World Cup 2022!
Key early matches
No doubt every World Cup match will have its highlights. Nevertheless, there are some matches to watch out for in the early stages of the competition that promise to be electrifying.
Sunday November sees Germany and Spain face off. Spain last won the World Cup in 2010, and Germany in 2014 and the rivalry between these two football powerhouses is fierce and passionate. Expect some world class football during this match.
France v Australia on November 22nd should also be a highlight and an early indication of whether the French can defend their title. With stars like Mbappe and Pogba on the field, France are a formidable opponent. Australia however, though not a famous footballing nation, has performed well pre-tournament, and with the pressure on France to make a strong start to the tournament, who knows what could happen?
USA v Iran
Often in international sport, the politics is just as passionate as the sport. One match to watch out for in that regard is USA v Iran on 29November. While the two countries aren’t renowned for the quality of their football, they are renowned for being geopolitical foes with a long history of tension. Will the two nations be able to restore some trust on the field, or will relations between them worsen? The answer to that might have as much to do with the US midterms and the ongoing unrest in Iran, as it does with football.
FIFA has asked countries to ‘focus on the football’ ahead of the competition, and leave the politics at home. With ongoing controversy surrounding host nation Qatar however, and football teams ever more willing to support political causes, politics may be a feature of this world cup.
What are you looking forward to at Qatar 2022? We’ll be reviewing the tournament here, and whoever wins, with ClickPlay, football is coming home!
