World Cup Qatar 2022: five unmissable matches with history from the first phase of the competition

There is still a little more than seven months left for the premiere of the World Cup Qatar 2022, but the emotion is already lived from now on. After defining the groups for the first round of the competition, duels with great expectations await in Doha and the illusion of many soccer lovers is at its peak. From there, it becomes important to explain the story behind each unmissable duel in the group stage of this World Cup.

Argentina vs. Mexico (Group C)

Interestingly, in the first World Cup in history, Uruguay 1930, Argentina and Mexico shared the same group. so they will look to extend that streak this year-end in Doha.

That first crossing in 1930, Argentina crushed Mexico 6-3 with a hat-trick from Stábile, a brace from Zumelzú and one from ‘Pancho’ Varallo. In that edition, the Aztec team lost all their first round matches and said goodbye to the tournament with zero points, while

76 years later, in 2006, Argentines and Mexicans met again, but no longer in the group stage, but in the round of 16. The remembered goal in extra time by Maxi Rodríguez (2-1) sentenced the elimination of the Aztec team that time, although the ‘gauchos’ were also eliminated in the next round.

Finally, in South Africa 2010 they also met in the round of 16 and Argentina, directed by Diego Maradona at the time, again triumphed over Mexico with a 3-1 in favor, thanks to a brace from Tevez and a goal from Higuain. The discount of ‘Chicharito’ Hernández did not help much. The ‘Albiceleste’ was eliminated in the quarterfinals by Germany with a resounding 4-0 against them.

This match between Argentines and Mexicans is remembered for the off side Tevez who was not sanctioned in the first goal of the match. All the public realized in the repetition that was passed on the screens, but the referee Roberto Rosetti decreed the goal despite the Aztec claims.

In Qatar 2022, a new and attractive edition of the duel between Argentines and Mexicans is expected.

It should be noted that, in general, Argentina and Mexico have faced each other 31 times between friendlies, Copa America, World Cup and Confederations Cup. The domain is clearly from the ‘Albiceleste’: 16 wins, 11 draws and only four losses. The Albicelestes won a Copa América final and a Confederations Cup semi.

Spain vs Germany (Group E)

Without a doubt, Spain vs. Germany will be the most attractive match of the group stage of the Qatar 2022 World Cup.

His history began in England 1966, when West Germany beat Spain 2-1 in the group stage and eliminated her from the World Cup. 16 years later, in Spain 1982, they met again in the same group and the Germans triumphed again with the same result (2-1). Even,

On United States 1994 was their third meeting, also in the group stage, drawing 1-1 on the scoreboard. Both Germany and Spain advanced from the round and reached the quarterfinals, where they were both eliminated. The last confrontation and the one most remembered by ‘La Roja’ happened in the semifinals of South Africa 2010,

Again, Spain and Germany will meet again in a World Cup. Beyond the World Cup history, ‘La Roja’ has had more joy in recent years in these direct matches, not only because of the semi-finals of South Africa 2010, but

Be that as it may, this new clash is totally reserved prognosis. Do not forget that Germany is four times world champion and is always among the best in the competition. This time, with Hansi Flick at the helm, it will be no exception. For his part, he seeks to strike with emerging figures on his team like Pedri.

Portugal vs Uruguay (Group H)

Uruguay again crosses the path of Portugal. Many will remember when the charrúas faced the lusos in the last World Cup Russia 2018a duel that left many emotions and also left Cristiano Ronaldo out of the World Cup.

It happened in the round of 16, when Portugal and Uruguay played a great game, as expected. After that, the Uruguayan team met France -subsequent world champion- and was eliminated.

That was the only time the Portuguese and Uruguayans met in a World Cup.

Now, in Qatar 2022 they meet again, but in the group stage. Uruguay, which came to regroup in the final stage of the Qualifiers, will measure forces against a Portugal, which managed to successfully overcome the European playoffs. They both have very good squads. While the Charrúas have Luis Suárez and Cavani, the Portuguese have ‘CR7′. Of course, the ‘Celeste’ also has the support of having been world champion twice (1930, 1950).

Belgium vs Croatia (Group F)

Belgium and Croatia have never met in a World Cup and in Qatar 2022 they will have the first opportunity to test themselves. Of course, they have previously met in European Qualifiers, European Championship qualifying matches and international friendlies.

The last time they met was in June 2021 in a friendly match, when the Belgians won 1-0 with a goal from none other than Romelu Lukaku.

Now Belgium vs Croatia will be quite attractive for various reasons. Keep in mind that the Belgian team has a great team with figures like Courtois, De Bruyne, Hazard and Lukaku. The same happens with the Croatians, who have Luka Modric, Pasalic, Perisic, Rakitic and more.

In addition, in Russia 2018 both teams reached the podium. , after falling 1-0 in the semis against France, the champion of the edition. For its part, Now, the runner-up and the bronze medal of the last World Cup will measure forces in Group F of Qatar 2022.

England vs USA (Group B)

Last but not least, England and the United States also promise an interesting clash in the first round of the next World Cup.

The first time they crossed paths was in the group stage of Brazil 1950, when the United States – surprisingly – triumphed by the minimum difference with a goal by Joe Gaetjens. Despite the victory, the ‘Stars and Stripes’ team was eliminated in the first round along with England. The only country that qualified in their group was Spain, who defeated both.

60 years later, in South Africa 2010Americans and English met again in the same group. That duel ended equal to one goal with annotations by Clint Dempsey and Steven Gerrard.

Now, the ‘Stars and Stripes’ team and the ‘Three Lions’ team have also faced each other in nine international friendlies and here the English have a fairly positive balance: . The last time they met was in November 2018, which England won 3-0.

In Qatar 2022, a quite attractive match awaits us. The United States, which has never won a World Cup, comes backed by regional titles in the Concacaf Gold Cup and Nations League. For its part, England, champion in the 1966 World Cup, has just been runner-up in the European Championship and semi-finalist in the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Without a doubt, the Americans and the English will set off sparks in Doha.