FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Draw: Germany Vs Spain the Highlight of the Group Stages

Doha, April 02 (QNA) - The draw for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, held Friday in Doha, set the path of all the participating team vying for the trophy. The biggest outcome of the draw was Spain and Germany falling together in E, along with Japan and the winners from Costa Rica and New Zealand. It looks a straight forward group as Spain and Germany look clear favorites. Germany will be wary however of assuming automatic qualification, given it was knocked out of the group stage back in 2018 in Russia. The match between Spain and Germany however will no doubt be the highlight of the group stage. The clash will be crucial because the second-placed team are likely to face contenders Belgium, who could win Group F. Belgium will face Canada, Morocco, and Croatia. They should have an easy time qualifying, but they have to stay warry of the threats of Croatia and Morocco's Achraf Hakimi and Hakim Ziyech. It's unclear what threat will Canada pose, given it is just their second participation ever in the World Cup. Group A will see hosts Qatar play Ecuador in the opening match. The group should be too close to call, with all teams in superb form. Group B probably have the competition's deepest team in England. There is a chance of an England Vs. Scotland or England Vs. Wales. Wales will need to beat Ukraine first then overcome Scotland if it's to reach the World Cup. Iran and US, the other two teams in the group, will play a highly-anticipated match given they were together in the group back in 1998. Group C will draw the attention of the fans thanks to the presence of PSG star Lionel Messi. The magician, labelled by some as the best player ever, could be playing his final World Cup. Mexico and Poland will be vying for the no. 2 spot, although Saudi Arabia should not be underestimated given the massive lift their fans will provide them in the stadium. Group D features defending champions France. They were drawn with Tunisia, Denmark, and the winners from Peru and Australia. Denmark are favorites for second place, after their strong showing at the Euros that saw them reach the semi-final, before losing on extra-time to a penalty kick. The biggest star of the group will no doubt be Denmark's Christen Eriksen. The former Spurs star collapsed to a heart attack on the pitch at the Euros in scenes that devastated fans. Group G features favorites Brazil, Serbia, Switzerland, and Cameroon. Brazil have moved to the second round of the World Cup for each of the last 13 editions. It is unclear however who will join the favorites to the next round as they all stand an equal chance. Group H could be another tightly-contested affair. Portugal is one of the most talented teams in the competition. But is not a foregone conclusion that they would be able to beat Uruguay to the top of the Group. Son Heung-min's could give South Korea an edge, while Ghana will prove to be tricky opponents as well. (QNA)