Skiddle predicts the Qatar 2022 World Cup

All of the top leagues have been paused as it is time for a World Cup like no other. Taking place in Qatar under controversial circumstances, it will be held in the Winter instead of the summer due to the intense heat in the country. All the top countries will be competing and it is time to start getting our predictions together as to what is going to happen.

Who is going to win the grand prize? Who will get the most red cards? Who is our pick to flop? Take a look below at our predictions for the Qatar World Cup 2022.

The flop nation- Portugal

There's always a big nation that seems to get it all wrong at the World Cup, usually crashing out of the group stages and losing to some of the lowest-ranked teams in the tournament. We're backing Portugal to take this prestigious award and it's all thanks to a certain Cristiano Ronaldo.

He hasn't been at his best this season but the fact that he has done this explosive interview with Piers Morgan hasn't exactly been the best timing. He got a cold reception from his Manchester United team-mate Bruno Fernandes when they linked up for international duty which is hardly surprising given the way Ronaldo has elevated himself above the club.

We're going to say that squabbling will get in the way of their success, with a dangerous Uruguay and Ghana side ready to punce on any mistakes.

Red card magnet- Dejan Lovren

Unfortunately, Sergio Ramos hasn't been picked by Spain for The World Cup so there's no obvious choice for who is going to get the most red cards at this year's tournament. Lovren isn't actually the most ill-disciplined centre-back ever but with Croatia being in a group with Belgium and Canada, who have plenty of quick players, we can see the potential for a last-ditch tackle gone wrong.

Top goalscorer- Neymar

There are so many world-class players at this year's tournament and it is all too tempting to go for Messi who will be playing his last World Cup. There's also Kylian Mbappe, Romelu Lukaku and Harry Kane who could all be contenders. We've gone for Neymar as the top scorer though as we think this will be the time that he will truly make his mark on world football, as he has often been overshadowed by Messi and Ronaldo.

The underdogs- Wales

We all love a good underdog story but are we saying Wales have a chance of winning the tournament? No. However, they definitely have what it takes to get out of their group and may even surprise a few with some solid displays in the knockouts. It is their first tournament in sixty-four years and the squad morale will be high as they passionately carry their nation's hopes on their shoulders.

The breakthrough talent- Jamal Musiala

This could have been the USA's Gio Reyna, Brazil's Gabriel Martinelli or Spain's Pedri but we'll back Jamal Musiala to be the top youth talent at this year's tournament. His form in the Bundesliga for Bayern Munich has been staggering this season as he has nine goals in 14 Bundesliga appearances. England and Germany were fighting for him to choose them as his national team and he chose the German side. 

The winner- Brazil

The general consensus here at Skiddle is that Brazil are the favourites to win the tournament. Although there have also been shouts for Argentina, England and even Iran? But it is fair to say that the South American nation have an abundance of attacking talent, so much that there wasn't even room for Roberto Firmino.

They also have Thiago Silva in defence who is still playing at an incredibly high level for Chelsea. They have world-class goalkeepers in Allison and Ederson, Fabinho, Casemiro and Bruno Guimaraes who has been influential in Newcastle's excellent performances.

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