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World Cup 2022 Team Guide: Everything You Need To Know About Uruguay

How will Uruguay fare at the 2022 World Cup? Join @SamRCox_ as he looks at La Celeste in his everything you need to know guide ahead of this winter's competition...

Uruguay History at the World Cup

Uruguay are one of only six nations to win the World Cup on multiple occasions, lifting the Jules Rimet Trophy as hosts in 1930 and defeating Brazil at the Maracanã in 1950.

The 2022 World Cup will make it four successive World Cup qualifications after they missed out in 2006.

Despite such a rich history in the competition, the Uruguayans have been far from a guarantee to appear in the tournament, having failed to qualify for five of eight World Cups between 1978 and 2006.

Since being named world champions for a second time 72 years ago, Uruguay have been semi-finalists on three occasions, ultimately finishing fourth in 1954, 1970 and 2010.

Uruguay qualify for the World Cup! 🇺🇾

Edinson Cavani, Luis Suarez, Diego Godin and co. are bound for Qatar 👏 pic.twitter.com/Zkv31GmUte
— Premier Sports (@PremierSportsTV) March 25, 2022

There were also quarter-final exits in 1966 and 2018. Only three times in their history have they fallen at the group stage, the most recent of which was 2002.

Uruguay has produced a lone Golden Ball winner (Diego Forlan in 2010), and had three unofficial Golden Glove winners in Enrique Ballesteros, Roque Máspoli and Ladislao Mazurkiewicz.

Fernando Muslera is Uruguay’s all-time World Cup appearance record holder with 16, ahead of Edinson Cavani and Diego Godin on 14 each.

Óscar Míguez has scored the most World Cup goals with eight, which were split across the 1950 and 1954 editions.

Uruguay Nickname

Uruguay’s nickname is La Celeste, meaning ‘The Sky Blue’.

Just like many football teams around the world, this nickname isn’t exactly inventive and is simply a recognition of their main home kit colour.

World Cup 2022 Group

Uruguay are alongside Portugal, South Korea and Ghana in Group H for this winter’s World Cup.

La Celeste will be desperate to start the tournament with a win before facing Portugal in the second round of fixtures.

They will inevitably be favoured and a popular pick in football tips against both South Korea and Ghana.

Uruguay Fixtures:

Uruguay vs South Korea – 24th November 2022
Uruguay vs Portugal – 28th November 2022
Uruguay vs Ghana – 2nd December 2022

Uruguay Kit World Cup 2022

Puma have disappointed with the Uruguay World Cup kits. The shade of blue for the home is great, but the collar and button is a bit of an eyesore and it’s unclear why they have four stars for a couple of World Cup wins.

Uruguay's FIFA World Cup kit is here 🔥

Would you buy it?

(via @Uruguay) pic.twitter.com/3ps3Q2vxT7
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) May 30, 2022

Like other Puma kits at this World Cup, the away attire is a shocker. The blue and white around the collar and sleeves is nice, but the box in the middle is bizarre.

Who Is The Uruguay Manager?

Diego Alonso, formerly of Inter Miami, is manager of Uruguay for the World Cup in Qatar. Alonso has taken charge of just nine matches, winning seven of them.

He replaced long-serving Óscar Tabárez in 2021 after poor results in the first rounds of World Cup qualifying.

Best Uruguay Player

This Uruguay squad is blessed with talent from the veteran goalkeeper Fernando Muslera to hard-nosed centre-back Jose Gimenez and post-peak stars Edinson Cavani and Luis Suarez.

The best of the bunch coming into the World Cup, though, is Real Madrid’s Federico Valverde, closely followed by Rodrigo Bentancur and Darwin Nunez.

Time to enjoy @Darwinn99’s first Anfield goal for the Reds from every angle 😍

Presented by @Sonos 🎥 pic.twitter.com/qLTtPzIbdt
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) October 20, 2022

Uruguay Odds at 2022 World Cup

Uruguay are 21/10 in World Cup odds to win Group H. They are behind only Portugal in the betting and favoured over Ghana and South Korea.

A deep run is not expected, however, with the South Americans priced at 23/10 to play in the quarters and way out at 45s to lift the trophy.

Bet on Uruguay at the 2022 World Cup with 888sport today!

October 20, 2022

World Cup 2026

By Sam Cox

https://twitter.com/SamRCox_">

https://www.tiktok.com/@srcsport?_r=1&_t=ZN-91fAo7Hr7CA">

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Sam is a sports tipster, specialising in the Premier League and Champions League.

He covers most sports, including cricket and Formula One. Sam particularly enjoys those on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean – notably MLB and NBA.

Watching, writing and talking about sports betting takes up most of his time, whether that is for a day out at T20 Finals Day or a long night of basketball.

Having been writing for several years, Sam has been working with 888Sport since 2016, contributing multiple articles per week to the blog.

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World Cup 2022 Team Guide: Everything You Need To Know About South Korea

How will South Korea fare at the 2022 World Cup? Join @SamRCox_ as he looks at the Reds in his everything you need to know guide ahead of this winter's competition...

South Korea History at the World Cup

The 2022 World Cup will see South Korea involved for an 11th time, and it will also be their 10th successive World Cup entry, having qualified for every tournament since 1986.

South Korea’s best World Cup performance came as hosts in 2002, when they shocked the footballing world to go on a run to the semi finals.

That is the only time they have made it past the last 16, with eight of their entries seeing group stage exits, including the 2014 and 2018 tournaments.

SOUTH KOREA QUALIFY FOR THE 2022 WORLD CUP 👏🇰🇷 pic.twitter.com/fkWt2CqQwf
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) February 1, 2022

South Korea’s struggles in World Cup play are represented by a -36 goal difference over 34 matches – they have won just six matches, three of which came at the 2002 tournament.

Their first ever World Cup match was also their biggest defeat, as they suffered an historic 9-0 defeat to Hungary in 1954.

South Korea’s biggest World Cup victory is by two goals, a feat they have achieved on three occasions, the most surprising of which was against Germany just four years ago.

South Korea Nickname

Sometimes South Korea will simply be called The Reds, which is their primary colour. The more interesting names are Taegeuk Warriors and Tigers of Asia.

Taegeuk is the symbol in the middle of the South Korean flag. The Tiger is the national animal.

World Cup 2022 Group

South Korea are matched up with Uruguay, Ghana and Portugal for the 2022 World Cup.

Not many football tips will expect the Taegeuk Warriors to make it to the knockout rounds, but they were relatively fortunate with this draw and will be in a great position if they avoid defeat in their opening match.

South Korea Fixtures:

South Korea vs Uruguay – 24th November 2022
South Korea vs Ghana – 28th November 2022
South Korea vs Portugal – 2nd December 2022

South Korea Kit World Cup 2022

South Korea have two of the best kits at the 2022 World Cup. The home is a gorgeous red with an eye-catching pattern across the shoulders and sleeves.

더 뜨겁게, the Reds🔥
2022 카타르 월드컵 본선 조별리그 3경기 유니폼 확정!
대한민국은 3경기 모두 빨강색 유니폼을 착용할 예정입니다!
(골키퍼는 1,2차전 노랑색, 3차전은 하늘색 착용)#대한민국 #축구국가대표팀 #카타르월드컵 #FIFAWorldCup #더뜨겁게theReds pic.twitter.com/g5e6XAU3D4
— theKFA (@theKFA) October 19, 2022

The away kit has the potential to be an absolute classic. A crayon-effect brings bright colours to a dark base, with the beautiful badge standing out in white.

Who Is The South Korea Manager?

Former Sporting and Portugal manager Paulo Bento is South Korea’s manager for the 2022 World Cup. Bento has been in the job since 2018, and led the country to the EAFF Championship in 2019.

With a winning percentage north of 63%, he is one of South Korea’s most successful managers, and has taken charge of a record 52 fixtures.

Best South Korea Player

An area of contention for a lot of teams, there is no such debate when it comes to South Korea’s best player.

Tottenham’s Heung-min Son is one of the best forwards in the world, and has been named the Best Footballer in Asia on seven occasions.

Napoli’s Kim-Min jae also has a rapidly improving reputation and has been one of the most impressive defenders in Europe so far this season.

[GOAL] 대한민국🇰🇷 1-0 🇨🇲카메룬
전반 35분! 캡틴 손흥민의 머리에서 첫 골이 나옵니다!
김진수의 강력한 슛 그리고 세컨볼을 헤더로 마무리합니다!#대한민국 #축구국가대표팀 #친선경기 #더뜨겁게theReds pic.twitter.com/kPFiUL1ie9
— theKFA (@theKFA) September 27, 2022

South Korea Odds at 2022 World Cup

World Cup odds place South Korea at 9/1 to win Group H. Progression from a section with Portugal and Uruguay isn’t expected, though they have a slightly shorter price than Ghana.

Reaching the quarter finals would be a massive achievement, as the 15/2 price indicates.

If South Korea are to upset the odds, it probably means a sensational tournament from Heung-min Son, who is 100/1 to win the Golden Boot.

Bet on South Korea at the 2022 World Cup with 888sport today!

October 20, 2022

World Cup 2026

By Sam Cox

https://twitter.com/SamRCox_">

https://www.tiktok.com/@srcsport?_r=1&_t=ZN-91fAo7Hr7CA">

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Gary Moore Stable Tour & Horses To Follow (2022/23)

With over 200 career wins as a National Hunt jockey, Gary Moore has been a central figure in horse racing for well over 30 years.

He retired from riding in the early 1990s and got into training, eventually taking over from his father at the Ingleside Racing Stables in Brighton.

Gary and wife Jayne spent over a decade there before relocating to Cisswood Racing Stables in West Sussex and that is where they are based today.

A popular character with online horse racing bets punters, Gary Moore leads a world class racing facility with the capacity to house over 100 racehorses.

Here, we take a look at some of the top Gary Moore horses in training for 2022/23. Make sure these equine superstars are in your trackers for the winter!

Authorised Speed

He looks an exciting prospect for novice hurdles this season and he was actually the best of the British when finishing fifth in the 2022 Champion Bumper at the Festival.

A speedy type, he bolted up at Newbury in January before that run at Cheltenham and the reports are that he’s summered well and is in great nick.

Authorised Speed is likely to need soft ground to be seen at his very best and Moore is likely to keep him back until the ground is optimum for him.

He is a ‘supreme’ talent and could be one of the top two mile novice hurdlers on this side of the Irish Sea. Watch this space, Authorised Speed is one to keep onside.

😍 Lovely performance

€155,000 purchase Authorised Speed was second at Ascot in Listed company last time out & goes one better with a very smooth success for @gl_racing & @jemoore85 @NewburyRacing pic.twitter.com/uHbWo6IO4y
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) January 19, 2022

Bo Zenith

When you think of Gary Moore and his National Hunt horses, you automatically think of his juveniles – he’s had plenty of success with those in recent years.

Bo Zenith looks like one of his better juvenile hurdlers and he was particularly striking on his only start over hurdles at Auteuil, catching the eye when winning impressively.

Moore has hinted at the Listed Wensleydale Hurdle at Wetherby on 28th October as an early season target. For what it’s worth, he won the 2021 renewal with Porticello…

Is Bo Zenith going to blossom into a Triumph Hurdle contender? It’s far too early to suggest that but this son of Zarak is certainly exciting.

[DIRECT🔴] #Auteuil #R1C1 Px Grandak (Inédits de 3 ans, haies) 🏁5-3-4-6. Belle victoire de Bo Zenith (Zarak) avec @FelixdeGiles pour Génétique Obstacle et l'écurie @davidcottin. Il devance un plaisant Blood Destiny et le favori David du Berlais. pic.twitter.com/yDf02JSz0w
— France Galop (@francegalop) April 3, 2022

Editeur Du Gite

He may be quite difficult to place this season but Editeur Du Gite has been a great servant to the yard and he came up trumps in two major Cheltenham handicaps last season.

The ground went against him before the 2022 Grand Annual but he ran a blinder to finish in fourth, much to the delight of connections.

One of the most consistent Gary Moore horses in training, the trainer has suggested that he may return to Ascot for the Byrne Group Handicap Chase on 29th October.

He unseated his rider in the race last year and, while he is now 13lbs higher than last season, he has unfinished business at the track and could go well.

Editeur Du Gite - four wins from his last five starts! 👏 @gl_racing | @niall_houli | @CheltenhamRaces pic.twitter.com/URQFukJeRL
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) December 11, 2021

Goshen

What a character, what a horse. You never quite know what Goshen is going to do but that only adds to the excitement and he has built up quite a following over the years.

Say what you want about him, he is rated 157 over hurdles and won the Grade 2 Kingwell Hurdle at Wincanton last term. However, the bigger obstacles await…

Yes, that’s right – Goshen will go novice chasing this year. According to reports, Moore has been quoted as saying he was “deadly” when schooling over fences at home.

He may stick to right-handed tracks but Moore is open to the idea of going the other way if conditions are right. I can’t wait to see him over a fence!

Goshen retains the Wincanton Matchbook Betting Exchange Kingwell Hurdle

An impressive performance from Adagio too, scrapping all the way to the line

Watch LIVE
📺 @ITV
📱 https://t.co/fkQLQLtgFY #ITVRacing pic.twitter.com/5aCXgxDmmz
— ITV Racing (@itvracing) February 19, 2022

Porticello

Porticello enjoyed a successful juvenile campaign, winning the Grade 1 Finale Juvenile Hurdle at Chepstow and finishing a respectable sixth in the Triumph Hurdle.

The ground went against him at the Festival and Moore is likely to wait until we get a very soft surface before starting him off for the new season.

Likely to remain over hurdles, it wouldn’t be a huge shock to see him step up in trip – he always looked like a two and a half mile horse but class got him through last year.

He is big and strong so chasing will be his forte down the line but there’s no rush given his age and he can blossom into one of the best horses at Gary Moore’s yard.

Porticello takes the Coral Finale Juvenile Hurdl

A first Grade One win for the Moores since 2015's Tingle Creek

Watch LIVE
📺 @ITV4
📱 https://t.co/FI4VjrJa48 #ITVRacing pic.twitter.com/FumnR5Ipnf
— ITV Racing (@itvracing) December 27, 2021

*Credit for all of the photos in this article belongs to AP Photo*

FIRST PUBLISHED: 13th October 2022

October 19, 2022

Horse Racing

By Alex McMahon

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Alex is a sports betting tipster, specialising in Premier League football, the Champions League and horse racing.

He loves placing a weekly accumulator on the football at the weekend and dreams of landing the big winner that will take him back to Las Vegas.

As well as writing sports betting tips for 888sport since 2015, Alex has produced content for several international media companies, such as Goal.com and The SPORTBible.

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Ranking The 10 Best Kits At The 2022 World Cup

A World Cup year provides an assortment of new kits. Some are instant classics and will rank amongst the best kits in tournament history. Others will flop and be forgotten about before the tournament has even finished.

Those teams which exceed expectations, perhaps causing an upset in sports betting odds, are likely to have a place in history regardless of the merits of the design.

The build-up to the World Cup is dominated by squad speculation, sweepstakes and injury concern. New kits being released is part of the World Cup cycle too, with orders placed and opinions shared as fans identify their favourite World Cup kits.

We have picked out our 10 favourite kits for this winter’s World Cup, choosing a mix of brash and classical.

Brazil – Away

Once again the betting odds favourites to lift the trophy, Brazil have brought two bold kits for the 2022 World Cup.

The theme is Jaguar print, an approach which is bound to split opinion. For the away kit, Nike have blended the trademark blue with a fading green Jaguar pattern on the sleeves.

A risk was taken here, and it’s certainly paid off. It’s easy to play it safe with Brazil World Cup shirts, as has often been the case, but Nike have rolled the dice on this one.

It’s always good to see kit manufacturers take a risk.

Japan – Home

The origami-inspired Japan home shirt was given five stars by FourFourTwo, and rightly so.

It isn’t as ostentatious as Brazil’s away kit or many other iconic World Cup shirts, but the mix of the blue and white makes for a captivating shirt.

A red trim gives a bit of pop. Make sure to soak up this kit during Japan’s three group matches. It’s worth checking out the away jersey too, which is less eye-catching, but a good-looking kit nonetheless.

South Korea – Away

South Korea have a tendency to don some pretty brave away shirts, and that trend continues in Qatar.

Heung-min Son and co’s away kit is a black base, which doesn’t sound spectacular. The shirt then has the look of a wall attacked by toddlers with a fresh box of Crayola.

Like all kits that try something new, there will be detractors, and perhaps all the colour will put some off. For many, though, this is a welcome change from the bland nature of many other kits.

This is going to be popular at retro football shirt stores for years to come.

South Korea best kits at World Cup Qatar

Germany – Home

Where the others were colourful and out there, the Germany home kit is an altogether more reserved affair.

To be fair, Germany’s colour scheme doesn’t give much room for brightness. Instead, Adidas have produced a classy, clean home shirt with a wide black stripe down the middle, which is home to a gorgeous gold logo.

The away kit could have easily taken this spot. Germany are no more than a dark horse at this tournament, but they’re going to look good whatever the performances are like.

Ecuador – Away

Fans worldwide rushed to pick up the Colombia kits in 2018. A similar scenario could play out with Ecuador, who have a cracker of an away kit with a highly detailed pattern across the body.

Perhaps the collar could have been given a bit more to bring it to life, and the cuffs aren’t for everyone.

Still, the colours of the flag are a nice addition at the ends of the sleeves, and Ecuador’s badge is one of the best on show in Qatar.

𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐀𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐥: Ecuador home & away kits 🇪🇨

The Ecuador national team has qualified for the 2022 FIFA World Cup™, which marks the nation's 4th appearance at the tournament.

🛒 https://t.co/JrxQgfxefl pic.twitter.com/xzoDyMpXY2
— World Soccer Shop (@WrldSoccerShop) September 14, 2022

Argentina – Away

Okay, using any sort of fire pattern can be unpopular. Argentina going for a purple away strip with flames reaching up towards the chest will not go down well with everyone.

There are marks to be earned for doing something different, though. La Albiceleste have too often edged towards boring with their away shirts, while the striped nature of their home kit gives little room to experiment.

We applaud giving this a go, even if the purple and flames could age like milk.

8. Argentina (Away)
Yeah, OK, it does look a bit like the fever dream of a child whose brain has been ravaged by FIFA Ultimate Team and Fortnite… but purple flames? Maybe those kids have a point.https://t.co/PGtSPraeXl pic.twitter.com/71QgThYznx
— British GQ (@BritishGQ) October 14, 2022

Portugal – Away

Portugal’s away kit is good in a similar way to Germany’s home. This isn’t the wildest design, nor is it especially eyebrow-raising.

What Nike have done, however, is shaken up the usual Portugal away kit look with an off-white base, then split the red and green across a wide band on the chest.

The navy trim adds another dimension, enhancing the base colour of the shirt and providing something of a border to what could be on the boring side.

Netherlands – Home

Pencil a Netherlands home shirt in for every ‘best kits’ list ever.

Nike make some outlandish claims about representing the mane of a Lion and some marketing chatter about Total Football. That doesn’t matter to us.

It is a slightly different orange from normal, but it works, and this kit feels appropriate for the sweltering Qatari sun as we wrap up for winter in the UK.

9. Netherlands (Home)
The new Nike Netherlands kit has a vibrant, slightly psychedelic and patinated finish, in a good way. Crunch match against Ecuador at 4PM, Grateful Dead concert at 10PM.https://t.co/PGtSPraeXl pic.twitter.com/uHio5KKDPR
— British GQ (@BritishGQ) October 14, 2022

Mexico – Home

We can’t guarantee this kit will be remembered like their belters of the 1990s, but the Mexico home kit for the upcoming World Cup is a beauty.

It’s no secret the Mexico badge is one of the best in sport, plus Adidas have embraced an Eagle-style pattern across the home shirt. Using two shades of green is enough to be visible without inducing headaches.

The away kit has more of a throwback feel – it remains to be seen how well that works on a TV screen.

Belgium – Away

Belgium have had some stunning kits over the last few years. The magic is in the detail for this subtle yet eye-catching away attire.

Away from the garish, Word Art-esque flames of the home sleeves, the away kit is a finer, more appealing design. A white base is complemented by multi-coloured patterning on the cuffs, collar and logos.

Appropriately, Adidas have passed with flying colours on this one.

October 18, 2022

World Cup 2026

By Sam Cox

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World Cup 2022 Team Guide: Everything You Need To Know About Mexico

How will Mexico fare at the 2022 World Cup? Join @SteTudor123 as he looks at the El Tricolor in his everything you need to know guide ahead of this winter's competition...

Mexico History at the World Cup

On July 13th, 1930, Mexico participated in the first ever World Cup game, losing to France. After making history that day, even in defeat, El Tri (The Tricolor) have gone on to forge a proud heritage in the tournament ever since.

Regular involvement throughout the Fifties and Sixties led to a hosting of the competition in 1970, whereupon Mexico went as far as the quarter-finals, a feat they repeated in 1986 when they again staged the greatest show on earth.

They are one of only six nations to qualify consistently since 1994, and only Brazil and Mexico have progressed from their groups on each occasion in the last seven World Cups.

The @USMNT and Mexico become the 28th and 29th teams to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. 👏 pic.twitter.com/tJoupXbmY3
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) March 31, 2022

In total, the tenth most populated country on the planet has played in 17 World Cups, an impressive number indeed.

If reaching the last eight twice-over was not enough, Mexico has also contributed some unforgettable moments, namely a series of spectacular goals.

If you haven’t YouTubed Manuel Negrete’s bicycle kick against Bulgaria in 1986 on repeat, then frankly you haven’t lived.

They may have distant odds in the sports betting as regards to winning Qatar 2022 outright, but it can safely be presumed that Mexico will once again provide a special moment or two.

Mexico Nickname

‘El Tri’ is short for ‘El Tricolor’ that denotes the national flag that is made up of white, red and green.

The red pays homage to the Spanish who helped fight for Mexican independence. The white represents unity, while the green is for hope.

It is the latter we associate most with Mexico due to the colour of their shirts.

World Cup 2022 Group

Missing out on Pot 1 in the draw by a solitary ranking place, Mexico were resigned to facing one seriously good team in their group and this they must do in their second game, coming up against one of the tournament favourites in Argentina.

Poland will offer up some stiff competition for a likely runner-up spot to La Albiceleste. Saudi Arabia are very much Group C’s minnows.

Mexico Fixtures:

Mexico vs Poland - 22nd November 2022
Mexico vs Argentina - 26th November 2022
Mexico vs Saudi Arabia - 30th November 2022

Mexico Kit World Cup 2022

Adidas’ home jersey is a very welcome return to Mexico’s traditional green, with red trim a classy touch. An inlaid pattern celebrates an Aztec deity, Quetzalcoatl, the god of learning.

Mexico unveil their 2022 World Cup away kit representing the nation’s indigenous roots 🇲🇽 pic.twitter.com/7I6xXLTNr0
— B/R Football (@brfootball) August 29, 2022

Their away shirt again pays tribute to their Aztec past, the burnt red swirls either stunning or garish depending on your personal taste.

Who Is The Mexico Manager?

With a long and varied C.V. that takes in an array of South American clubs, as well as Barcelona – for a single season – and the Argentine national side, Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino has been around the managerial block.

An incessant tinkerer of formations, the 59-year-old may have enjoyed a very encouraging first couple of years in charge, but a string of poor results has seen his popularity plummet.

Despite Mexico being voted in at 15th in our World Cup power rankings, this is a side experiencing a crisis of confidence at the worst possible time.

Best Mexico Player

Napoli winger Hirving Lozano offers pace, trickery and some much-needed unpredictability to what is, in truth, hardly a vintage Mexico side.

Presently, Lozano’s adventures down the left have helped put Napoli top of Serie A and the most expensive Mexican player of all time – signing for £35m in 2019 – will go into the World Cup in fine form.

🇲🇽🇲🇽🇲🇽🇲🇽 Don Hirving Lozano @HirvingLozano70 🇲🇽🇲🇽🇲🇽🇲🇽#NapoliBologna pic.twitter.com/kqrbevn454
— Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) October 17, 2022

Mexico Odds at 2022 World Cup

There are worse World Cup bets out there than backing Mexico to get the better of Poland in their opening fixture. As stated, this is not an exceptional Mexican side but neither are the Poles in great shape right now. The 17/10 odds entice.

As for what lies beyond the group stage, El Tri have exited at the last 16 juncture for seven tournaments running. It may well be eight and counting this winter.

Bet on Mexico at the 2022 World Cup with 888sport today!

October 18, 2022

World Cup 2026

By Stephen Tudor

https://twitter.com/SteTudor123">

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Stephen Tudor is a freelance football writer and sports enthusiast who only knows slightly less about the beautiful game than you do.

A contributor to FourFourTwo and Forbes, he is a Manchester City fan who was taken to Maine Road as a child because his grandad predicted they would one day be good.

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World Cup 2022 Team Guide: Everything You Need To Know About Saudi Arabia

How will Saudi Arabia fare at the 2022 World Cup? Join @SamRCox_ as he looks at the Green Falcons in his everything you need to know guide ahead of this winter's competition...

Saudi Arabia History at the World Cup

The Saudi national side first came into being during the 1950s though it was anther three decades before they played to a competitive standard, entering the AFC Asian Cup in 1984.

Ten years later, the Green Falcons qualified for their inaugural World Cup and what an impact they made, delighting all with their adventure and ultimately progressing beyond Group F courtesy of wins over Morocco and highly-fancied Belgium.

Even against group favourites Holland, they so nearly upset all sports betting logic, taking the lead before gravity took hold in the second half.

Sweden comfortably beat them in the last 16 but the players still returned as heroes, having enamoured a watching world.

Let's talk about six baby 🎶

Saudi Arabia qualify for their sixth World Cup 🟢🟢 pic.twitter.com/lrKWZGU0xt
— 433 (@433) March 24, 2022

That team featured Sami Al-Jaber, arguably the kingdom’s finest ever talent, while Saeed Al-Owairan etched a permanent place in the history books by scoring a simply unforgettable goal.

With Belgium on the attack, the midfielder gained possession in his own half and just kept on running.

A further four World Cups have followed though a regression has occurred since their Nineties zenith with just a solitary win from 12 matches casting them as tournament minnows.

That victory however, was impressively against Mo Salah’s Egypt four years ago. Could a revival of sorts be on the cards this winter?

Saudi Arabia Nickname

The national side are known as the ‘Green Man’ but more commonly as the ‘Green Falcons’, a nickname that referencing both the colour of their national flag and a bird that is culturally prized.

Falconry is a traditional and popular sport in Saudi Arabia with origins that go back centuries.

World Cup 2022 Group

As the lowest ranked team in Qatar – save for the hosts themselves – Saudi Arabia were always going to be up against it, regardless of how their group shaped up.

As it was and is, Argentina are a tremendously difficult opening challenge, as reflected in the South American giant’s 2/13 odds to prevail. Ninth-ranked Mexico and a Lewandowski-led Poland are hardly pushovers either.

Than again, neither were Morocco and Belgium back in the day.

Saudi Arabia Fixtures:

Saudi Arabia vs Argentina - 22nd November 2022
Saudi Arabia vs Poland - 26th November 2022
Saudi Arabia vs Mexico - 30th November 2022

Saudi Arabia Kit World Cup 2022

At first glance, Nike have scored a big win with Saudi’s home number. Classy and under-stated, with leaf patterns inlaid into the fabric. Lovely.

Saudi Arabia might have the most underrated World Cup kits IMO pic.twitter.com/Tx3NHF6KfN
— Jake Barford (@BFordLancer48) September 16, 2022

Only then you notice that the collar and famous Nike swoosh is a different green to the badge and nothing makes sense anymore. The away jersey is busy and daring, no doubt splitting opinion as its designed to.

Who Is The Saudi Arabia Manager?

Former Morocco coach Herve Renard has reinvigorated the national side since taking the reins in 2019, making them tactically flexible and implementing a pressing philosophy from front to back.

Indeed, so well has the Frenchman fared he has reportedly been offered a contract extension to 2027.

It’s interesting to note that soon after that Saudi Arabia could be a co-host of the World Cup, with a bid apparently in the pipeline.

Best Saudi Arabia Player

Though full-back Sultan Al-Ghannam is their highest valued player, by some distance their most important and best talent is Al-Hilal winger Salem Al-Dawsari, a technically-sublime wideman with the ability to carve something from nothing.

The 31-year-old has scored 17 goals in 66 appearances for his country.

Destroyed 💀 @dawriplusksa @salem_d29 pic.twitter.com/OkcwuswTpQ
— 433 (@433) March 30, 2019

Saudi Arabia Odds at 2022 World Cup

Unless you place great stock in miracles any World Cup bets backing the Saudis against Argentina should be given a wide berth.

It’s their second test, taking on an unremarkable Poland, that intrigues with 18/5 a tempting price for a team who will view any victory in their group as a successful tournament.

Bet on Saudi Arabia at the 2022 World Cup with 888sport today!

October 18, 2022

World Cup 2026

By Stephen Tudor

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Stephen Tudor is a freelance football writer and sports enthusiast who only knows slightly less about the beautiful game than you do.

A contributor to FourFourTwo and Forbes, he is a Manchester City fan who was taken to Maine Road as a child because his grandad predicted they would one day be good.

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World Cup 2022 Team Guide: Everything You Need To Know About Portugal

How will Portugal fare at the 2022 World Cup? Join @SamRCox_ as he looks at the European giants in his everything you need to know guide ahead of this winter's competition...

Portugal History at the World Cup

Portugal will play in just their eighth World Cup this winter, though it is also their sixth successive World Cup qualification. The 1966 tournament, where Eusebio starred, was their first appearance, and a third-place finish remains their best effort.

They didn’t qualify again until 1986, when they were eliminated in the group stage.

It was a 16-year wait to play in another World Cup, which again ended at the first hurdle despite a talented squad featuring Luis Figo, Pauleta, Rui Costa and Sérgio Conceição.

Portugal’s fate in football tips improved in the coming years, partly due to the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo and various other top-end talents.

Portugal qualify for the 2022 World Cup 🏆

Cristiano Ronaldo is set for his fifth appearance at the tournament 🌏 pic.twitter.com/BOwE4Wefx3
— B/R Football (@brfootball) March 29, 2022

They reached the semis in 2006, knocking out England on penalties in the process, ultimately placing fourth following defeats to France and Germany.

Four years later saw a gutting loss to Spain in the last 16, before a heavy defeat to Germany and draw with the USA led to a group stage exit in Brazil in 2014.

The 2018 tournament was again a disappointment, as Portugal fell to Uruguay in the first knockout round after a brace from Edinson Cavani.

Overall, Portugal have been an inconsistent team in major tournaments. The group heading to Qatar have experience on their side and plenty of talent, but they are far from favourites and will need some fortune to go on a deep run.

Portugal Nickname

A country with a long history of discovery and exploration, the Portuguese national team is appropriately named Os Navegadores, meaning ‘the Navigators’.

Like Brazil, you may also see/hear them referred to as A Seleção, simply meaning ‘The Selection’.

World Cup 2022 Group

Portugal were drawn alongside Ghana, Uruguay and South Korea, putting them in a strong position when it comes to predicting the 2022 World Cup.

Os Navegadores are expected to progress with relative ease, and should get their campaign off a winning start when they face Ghana on 24th November.

Portugal Fixtures:

Portugal vs Ghana – 24th November 2022
Portugal vs Uruguay – 28th November 2022
Portugal vs South Korea – 2nd December 2022

Portugal Kit World Cup 2022

Seldom too ambitious with their kits, Portugal have a diagonal split between the red and green for something a bit different on the home kit. It still isn’t anything to write home about.

Portugal’s 2022 World Cup kits are here 🇵🇹 pic.twitter.com/Jt5WEedC3W
— B/R Football (@brfootball) September 15, 2022

The away, though, is much more intriguing with an off-white base, a banner across the chest of the nation’s two colours and smart navy trim.

Who Is The Portugal Manager?

Fernando Santos is the Portugal manager, a role he has held since 2014. Only two previous Portugal managers have a better winning percentage than Santos, who led A Seleção to the Euros title in 2016.

Having managed each of Portugal’s Big Three as well as Greece, Santos is vastly experienced.

Best Portugal Player

For a long time, this was a non-topic with Cristiano Ronaldo clearly Portugal’s best player.

That is no longer the case – Bruno Fernandes has the highest market value, Ruben Dias was named Premier League Player of the Season in 2020-21 and Bernardo Silva is one of the best in the world at his position.

There’s a debate to be had here, but Silva has a strong claim on current form.

Scored for Portugal, made in Manchester. 🤝

Bruno Fernandes finds Bernardo Silva who scores a stunning opener for Portugal against Azerbaijan! 🇵🇹 pic.twitter.com/ZYpQaYTprF
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) September 7, 2021

Portugal Odds at 2022 World Cup

Portugal are World Cup betting favourites in Group H at 8/13 to finish in top spot. They are firmly in the dark horse category when it comes to lifting the trophy, however, with a price of 12/1 to go all the way.

If oddsmakers are accurate, a last eight elimination is to be expected from the Portuguese, with a 4/5 on a quarter-final appearance and 5/2 to reach the semis.

Cristiano Ronaldo is their lead representative in the Golden Boot market at 14s.

Bet on Portugal at the 2022 World Cup with 888sport today!

October 17, 2022

World Cup 2026

By Sam Cox

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World Cup 2022 Team Guide: Everything You Need To Know About Ghana

How will Ghana fare at the 2022 World Cup? Join @SamRCox_ as he looks at La Albiceleste in his everything you need to know guide ahead of this winter's competition...

Ghana History at the World Cup

The Qatar World Cup is Ghana’s fourth appearance in the competition.

They failed to qualify in 2018, marking an end of three consecutive tournament appearances from 2006 through to 2014, which included a last 16 appearance in Germany, followed by a quarter-final run in South Africa.

GHANA ELIMINATE NIGERIA.

THEY ARE THE FIRST AFRICAN COUNTRY TO QUALIFY FOR THE 2022 FIFA WORLD CUP. 🇬🇭 pic.twitter.com/NQfGQ0XjFM
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) March 29, 2022

Unfortunately, those successes were not replicated in Brazil, as they fell at the group stage after taking one point from three matches against Germany, Portugal and the USA.

Overall, Ghana have won four of their 12 World Cup fixtures, with their most recent win coming in extra time against the United States in 2010, which was followed by a wildly controversial defeat to Uruguay on penalties.

They topped their qualifying group for the tournament in Qatar, claiming 13 points from six matches to edge out South Africa for first place. In the following round, they secured a place at the World Cup by an away goals win over Nigeria.

Ghana Nickname

Those familiar with the Ghanian flag can probably work out why they are called The Black Stars.

The black star in the centre of the Ghanian flag is a symbol of anti-colonialism, and is a counter to the White Star Line, showing ownership by black people rather than white.

World Cup 2022 Group

Any draw was going to represent a challenge for Ghana. Never expected to do much by World Cup predictions, the Black Stars got an easier draw than they could have done.

Their competition starts with the toughest test of the lot, however, as they matchup with Portugal before a more winnable match with South Korea.

Ghana Fixtures:

Ghana vs Portugal – 24th November 2022
Ghana vs South Korea – 28th November 2022
Ghana vs Uruguay – 2nd December 2022

Ghana Kit World Cup 2022

Without being overly critical, Ghana might have the two worst kits at the World Cup. The home is bland with very minor touches of colour, and the red-based away is puzzling.

Ghana home kit! 😍 pic.twitter.com/iFEGKoDL1A
— Malik Ofori (@malikofori) May 31, 2022

Buy the away kit without a number and people will be wondering what that box on your chest is about.

Who Is The Ghana Manager?

Former Borussia Dortmund attacking midfielder Otto Addo is the current Ghana manager. Addo is charged with causing a few football tips surprises in Qatar.

Having previously been a scout with Ghana, Addo was working as a ‘talent coach’ with Dortmund when he took over as the Black Stars’ head coach in early 2022.

Best Ghana Player

Ghana have a lot of players known around Europe. With his early-season form, Thomas Partey is probably their best player heading into the tournament, but they will also rely on the performances of Andre Ayew and Inaki Williams.

Ayew will break the record for the most Ghana caps this winter – he’s currently tied with former Sunderland striker Asamoah Gyan.

Andre Ayew. That is all. pic.twitter.com/OrO1h992lU
— Swansea City AFC (@SwansOfficial) April 26, 2021

Ghana Odds at 2022 World Cup

Ghana are World Cup betting outsiders in Group H at 10/1 to top the section. They are, curiously, also 10/1 to reach the quarter-finals, with only five teams at a longer price.

Starting off against Portugal, Ghana are 6/1 underdogs, and they are even out at 2/1 to beat South Korea.

Bet on Ghana at the 2022 World Cup with 888sport today!

October 17, 2022

World Cup 2026

By Sam Cox

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World Cup 2022 Team Guide: Everything You Need To Know About Argentina

How will Argentina fare at the 2022 World Cup? Join @SteTudor123 as he looks at La Albiceleste in his everything you need to know guide ahead of this winter's competition...

Argentina History at the World Cup

If you’re taking part in a World Cup sweepstake ahead of Qatar 2022, and you’re lucky enough to pull Argentina out of the hat then count your blessings.

Because not only are the South American giants the tournament third-favourites in the sports betting, but they’re priced at 13/2 for two distinct reasons - their past and present.

Concerning the present, Argentina have a squad packed with world-class talent, from the most obvious example of Lionel Messi, to a striker in Lautaro Martinez who has fired 21 goals in 40 outings for his country.

Argentina qualify for the 2022 World Cup after a goalless draw against Brazil 👏🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/cQFqcxlHwP
— GOAL India (@Goal_India) November 17, 2021

If united, this line-up can hurt anyone and presently they are fighting the same cause, the reigning Copa America champions unbeaten in 33 games.

As for their past, this is a nation steeped in World Cup heritage, winning the tournament twice – in 1978 and 1986 – and finishing runner-up three times.

One of those occasions was in 1930, illustrating that for a large bulk of football’s existence Argentina have been a side to be seriously reckoned with.

Argentina Nickname

La Seleccion, that translates as the ‘national team’ are better known as La Albiceleste (‘The white and sky blues’).

This refers to the colour of Argentina’s stripes which in turn reflects their national flag.

Why white and sky blue? Frankly, that’s a debate best left well alone, with South American historians arguing about it for many years.

World Cup 2022 Group

La Albiceleste could have been more fortunate with their draw in Group C, even if it does contain Saudi Arabia, the lowest ranked side in the competition.

Elsewhere, Mexico was the highest ranked team in Pot 2 while the fourth entrant is Poland, a dangerous outfit headed by the ever-prolific Robert Lewandowski.

Argentina Fixtures:

Argentina vs Saudi Arabia - 22nd November 2022
Argentina vs Mexico - 26th November 2022
Argentina vs Poland - 30th November 2022

Argentina Kit World Cup 2022

Adidas have reverted to a more traditional design for Qatar ’22 though the blocky navy blue on the sleeves and inner-collar won’t be to everyone’s taste.

World Cup History

🇦🇷 Argentina pic.twitter.com/vl0ws86AuA
— Wiki Kits (@WikiKits) October 12, 2022

For their away number, caution has been thrown to the wind with a lavender colourway complete with flames to denote the Sun of May that is found on the national flag.

Who Is The Argentina Manager?

An assistant to Jorge Sampaoli at Sevilla, then later with Argentina, Lionel Scaloni stepped into the international hot-seat in 2018. Remarkably, it was his first ever managerial position.

Even so, the former West Ham full-back has taken to the role like a duck to water, installing confidence into a previously fractured squad and leading them a first major honour for 28 years.

In overseeing a win over arch-rivals Brazil in the Copa America final last year, Scaloni has secured the trust of a nation.

Best Argentina Player

Even at the seasoned age of 35 and on the cusp of international retirement, who else could it be other than Lionel Messi, the supernaturally-gifted dervish who has made 164 appearances for the Albiceleste.

Arguably the greatest player to ever lace up a pair of football boots, the little genius will be hellbent on lifting the famous trophy this December to finally quieten those who suggest he has never been peak-Barca Messi at international level.

🇦🇷 The magic of Messi 🧙‍♂️#UCL pic.twitter.com/GFUpVnJXrJ
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) August 10, 2021

Argentina Odds at 2022 World Cup

Scaloni’s team are heavily fancied to top Group C, even if Mexico and Poland will give them problems along the way. Don’t expect much value when they face Saudi Arabia, but elsewhere they’re well worth backing.

As for the other World Cup bets that are available it’s telling that La Albiceleste are the same price as England in the outright market. Putting patriotism to one side, who do you think is most likely to go all the way?

Bet on Argentina at the 2022 World Cup with 888sport today!

October 17, 2022

World Cup 2026

By Stephen Tudor

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Stephen Tudor is a freelance football writer and sports enthusiast who only knows slightly less about the beautiful game than you do.

A contributor to FourFourTwo and Forbes, he is a Manchester City fan who was taken to Maine Road as a child because his grandad predicted they would one day be good.

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World Cup 2022 Team Guide: Everything You Need To Know About United States

How will the United States fare at the 2022 World Cup? Join @SteTudor123 as he looks at Team USA in his everything you need to know guide ahead of this winter's competition...

United States History at the World Cup

It may surprise that the United States men’s national team (USMNT) participated in the first two World Cup finals, even reaching the semi-finals in 1930, the tournament’s inaugural outing.

As football mushroomed into a global phenomenon, the USA held a significant presence.

Only then, for many different cultural reasons, ‘soccer’ steadily regressed in its popularity, surpassed by baseball and basketball, and dwarfed by American Football and this inevitably had a big impact on their international standing. USMNT only qualified for one World Cup between 1934 and 1990.

For the final time: This is how they stand in World Cup qualification in the Concacaf region. Canada, Mexico & the United States qualify automatically. Costa Rica heads to the playoff. pic.twitter.com/IVfqoY56R7
— Jon Arnold (@ArnoldcommaJon) March 31, 2022

That was in 1950 and at least during that competition USMNT had a moment to savour, a huge upsetting of the football betting as they beat England 1-0 in a group encounter.

The game has become known as the ‘miracle on grass’ and is still considered one of the World Cup’s unlikeliest results.

The formation – and relative success – of the North American Soccer League in the Sixties began a revolution that was three decades in the making, as the game gradually became more professional and subsequently homegrown talent slowly emerged.

An appearance at Italia ’90 was viewed as a novelty but then a hosting of the tournament four years later saw the sport grow in prominence, attracting interest which in turn attracted youngsters with natural ability.

USA ’94 was their second of six consecutive appearances, reaching the quarter-finals in 2002. Currently, USMNT are ranked 15th in the world.

USA Nickname

In the summer of 2014, just prior to their sixth World Cup outing in a row, an ultimately doomed campaign sprang up, demanding that USMNT be given a proper nickname.

Though technically they are referred to as the ‘Stars and Stripes’, in homage to the national flag, in reality, nobody calls them this.

There was a poll, and the winner was the ‘American Dream’. Regrettably, it didn’t take off.

World Cup 2022 Group

England, Wales and Iran make up their opponents in Group B and USMNT will back themselves to progress to the knock-outs, most likely as the runner-up to group favourites England.

They will know what to expect from Wales, a lot of heart and a reliance on some magic from Gareth Bale, while Iran have an array of decent, technical players. But the Americans have the beating of them both.

United States Fixtures:

United States vs Wales - 21st November 2022
United States vs England - 25th November 2022
United States vs Iran - 29th November 2022

USA Kit World Cup 2022

For the first time in international football, Nike have placed their swooshes on the sleeves, rather than the front, and the uproar this prompted at least distracted from the banality of the overall design.

Official USA World Cup kit review 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/tdYiVWW6pm
— Jake Barford (@BFordLancer48) September 22, 2022

Bluntly-speaking, it looks like a knock-off training top, found on a market stall.

The tie-dye effect for their away shirt is supposed to celebrate diversity and youth. This of course is laudable, but it also resembles a kit accidentally put in the wash with a stray biro.

Who Is The United States Manager?

With managerial experience in Scandinavia and a five-year stint with Columbus Crew, Gregg Berhalter took the reins in 2018 and has since implemented a pressing and possession mandate that suits his best players, many of whom deploy this philosophy for their club sides.

Should USMNT go deep - and their World Cup odds suggest they might - expect some big clubs to come calling early in 2023.

Best United States Player

The golden boy of American soccer, Christian Pulisic has already amassed 52 international caps and goes into this tournament with the hopes of a vast nation on his shoulders.

The Chelsea star may flatter to deceive too often in the Premier League, but he is pivotal to all that’s good about USMNT.

.@miketirico joins Rebecca Lowe at Philly Fan Fest to talk Chelsea football and what Christian Pulisic means for Americans in the sport. pic.twitter.com/Djd1WqeZRb
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) October 15, 2022

United States Odds at 2022 World Cup

We’re predicting that USMNT scrape through Group B and exit at the last 16 stage, but first and foremost they have Wales to face in their opening fixture, a tricky test that sees them priced at narrow 29/20 favourites.

A friendly between the sides back in 2020 finished goalless and the smart money is on another tight, low-scoring encounter.

Bet on USA at the 2022 World Cup with 888sport today!

October 17, 2022

World Cup 2026

By Stephen Tudor

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Stephen Tudor is a freelance football writer and sports enthusiast who only knows slightly less about the beautiful game than you do.

A contributor to FourFourTwo and Forbes, he is a Manchester City fan who was taken to Maine Road as a child because his grandad predicted they would one day be good.

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