Who will be the Surprise Package of the 2022 World Cup?

“Poland vs Albania” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by Grzegorz Jereczek

In every World Cup soccer tournament, there is usually one team with the capacity to cause an upset. While Croatia are a competent side, few would have given the Eastern Europeans a chance of making the final in 2018.

Eight years previously at South Africa 2010, two unfancied teams in Ghana and Uruguay were drawn together in the knockout rounds with a place in the semi final on the line. Will any of the following teams follow the trend at Qatar 2022 or is this a tournament for the favorites?

Poland

If Poland are to go deep into this tournament, much will depend on the efforts of one man. Robert Lewandowski holds the national records for most appearances and, more importantly, for goals scored.

Now playing in Spain for Barcelona, the former Bayern Munich striker has found the net 76 times in 134 full internationals. While Brazil, Argentina and France start as favorites for the outright World Cup win, Poland are ranked by the sportsbooks as an underdog in 20th place.

Those betting markets offer a good opportunity to monitor a team’s progress through the tournament as the odds will adjust on the back of every result. SBO.net will list a full set of betting options and there will also be a guide to all World Cup teams taking part.

While on the website, readers can take into account betting guides, together with back up information including blog posts and breaking news. With plenty of information available, it’s also possible to get directly involved.

Each operator is happy to take on new customers, provided that they complete a secure online registration form. Once verified, it’s likely that there will be a generous welcome offer waiting on the other side.

Funds will be needed to cover opening bets and a host of payment providers can help with this. Other benefits include efficient customer service, while regular players could look forward to ongoing bonuses, live markets, mobile betting and the potential for live streaming top class sport in return for maintaining a funded account.

In short, SBO is the site to follow any form of football betting, but Poland aren’t the only team looking to spring a surprise.

Uruguay

Uruguay were the first country to win a World Cup when the inaugural tournament was held in 1930. They were champions again in 1950, while the current squad are looking to end 72 years of hurt.

More recently, and more relevantly, Uruguay reached the quarter finals of the previous tournament in Russia four years ago. Many of that squad are still involved in the team and there is huge experience throughout the group.

Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani have scored 126 international goals between them while, at the back, Martin Caceres, captain Diego Godin and goalkeeper Fernando Muslera have all earned over 100 caps. Based on experience alone, Uruguay will be a team to watch.

The Netherlands

Having missed out on qualification for Russia 2018, the Dutch will want to prove a point in Qatar. They are arguably football’s biggest underachievers and, despite fielding some talented sides in the past, they have one major success, victory at Euro 88, to their name.

The Netherlands will arrive at the World Cup with another exceptional squad. Despite struggling during his time at Manchester United, Memphis Depay is effective at international level and has 42 goals in 81 senior games.

Cody Gakpo is another player to watch and he’s been the subject of widespread interest following a prolific start to the season for PSV Eindhoven.

Belgium

While they won the third place playoff against England at Russia 2018, Belgium are given little chance by the sportsbooks, and that’s surprising. Many of that 2018 group are still with the current squad and perhaps the markets feel that age is catching up with the Red Devils.

Fitness will be a factor in Qatar but there is no shortage of quality in this current Belgium squad. Manchester City’s Kevin de Bruyne is obviously a standout player while Romelu Lukaku remains a prolific goal scorer and a contender for the Golden Boot. If Belgium can cope with the demanding conditions, they can certainly be a threat at this World Cup.