Italy and Senegal, two continental champions on the way?
A World Cup without the winner of the Euro and that of the CAN, it is possible. Especially in view of the opposition that awaits Italy and Senegal. The Italians must first get rid of North Macedonia to find the winner of Turkey – Portugal in the final of the path C in the European zone. It will not be easy either for the Senegalese, opposed to Egypt in a remake of the final of the last CAN in the African zone play-offs. The probability of seeing the two nations miss the call in Qatar exists.
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That the reigning European and African champions are absent from the same World Cup is a rare phenomenon. It has only happened twice in World Cup history, in 1978 (Czechoslovakia and Ghana) and 2006 (Greece and Egypt). For Italy, third nation in history in the number of participations in the event (18) and second tied with Germany in the number of titles (4), it would be a new cataclysm after the eliminations in the 1st round in 2010 and 2014 and non-qualification in 2018. For Senegal, it would be a sudden return to earth for a country that has just won the first continental title in its history.
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Ronaldo and Ibrahimovic, two stars without a last World Cup?
Cristiano Ronaldo… what else? The Portuguese has, perhaps, become the top scorer in football history by breaking the 806 career goals mark. He is the second player to have won the most Ballons d’Or (5) behind Lionel Messi (7). He is the biggest star of the last decade with his Argentinian sidekick. We pass. He has never missed a World Cup in his career. He is 37 years old. And if its longevity is proven, the hypothesis that Qatar is its last opportunity to participate in a World Cup exists despite everything. His absence would leave a great void. That of a Portugal stuffed with talent (João Félix, Bernardo Silva, Diogo Jota, Ruben Dias…) too.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic does not have the same CV, but he remains one of the biggest stars in world football at the height of his 40 years. For the Swede too, this is possibly the last opportunity to play a World Cup. A competition that the “Z” has not played since 2006. Suspended for the semi-final of path A of the European zone against the Czech Republic, he will cross his fingers that his partners reach the final against Poland and offer him this last chance. The road to Qatar is tortuous. As for Portugal of CR7, opposed to Turkey then potentially to Italy.
Lewandowski and Salah: two serial scorers without a net
He is the current top scorer in the Bundesliga with… 31 goals in 27 matches. He is also now the one in the Champions League with 12 goals. He finished second in the standings for the last Ballon d’Or, and many believe he deserved better. Robert Lewandowski is the most prolific goalscorer on the planet today and one of the best players in the world. Poland already in the final of Path A of the Europe zone after the exclusion of Russia, the Bayern striker will play his place in Qatar with his selection against the Czech Republic or Sweden of Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Yes, Ibra or Lewy, there will only be one left…
Another reference in the elite of scorers is likely to be missed in Qatar. Mo Salah is walking on water this season. The Egyptian also dominates the scoring charts in his championship with 20 goals in the Premier League, he occupies third place in the Champions League tied with Karim Benzema (8 goals), he finished 7th in the Ballon d’ Gold… He is an extraordinary player who will try to validate his ticket for the World Cup with Egypt against his executioner of the last CAN, the Senegal of his teammate in Liverpool, Sadio Mané. Yes, Salah or Mané, there will only be one left…
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Algeria, chills and less atmosphere?
They were the big favorites to reign over Africa, on the strength of their unbeaten streak. Algeria fell from a very high point in the CAN by being knocked out in the first round after a defeat against Côte d’Ivoire (3-1). If the Fennecs were to experience new disillusionment with an elimination in the World Cup play-offs against Cameroon, this would deprive the next World Cup of a team normally much more attractive than what it showed on the last CAN and sublimated by a thrill player like Riyad Mahrez. It would already be a pity.
But what would also be missing is all the fervor that the Algerian selection provokes. Particularly in France where his supporters never miss the opportunity to create an atmosphere of madness at each match of the Fennecs. The memories of the 2014 World Cup which saw Algeria reach the round of 16 of the event for the first and only time in its history, the “One, two, three, long live Algeria” chanted by its jubilant fans, the innumerable Algerian flags in the streets of France… that’s also what Algeria knows how to provide in a World Cup.
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Cameroon and Nigeria, two references… also for jerseys
These are certainly the two African references in the World Cup. Cameroon, record holder of Africa with 7 participations, and Nigeria, his dolphin in this field, present 6 times during the last 7 editions. Two selections capable of embodying a World Cup, as the Indomitable Lions of Roger Milla had been able to do in 1990 by becoming the first African team to reach the quarter-finals of a World Cup. Or, even to a lesser degree, the 1994 Super Eagles, which Italy narrowly defeated in the round of 16.
Cameroon and Nigeria, opposed respectively to Algeria and Ghana in the play-offs, are two nations easily associated with the World Cup. Not just those nostalgic for the 90s. And not just for their results. The two selections have also become accustomed to monopolizing the heights of the ranking of the most beautiful jerseys each time they participate in a World Cup. These are colors and tunics that mark. They are an integral part of the festive side of a World Cup. Without it, it’s not exactly the same thing.
Cameroon striker Vincent Aboubakar.
Credit: Getty Images
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