World Cup power ranking Part 1: Which countries have the best shot at glory in Qatar

South Americans

We access first, the chances of South America teams in a bid to end their 20 year wait for a World Cup success in the part one of our World Cup power rankings.

The wait must have started to grow into frustration for South America legends, who have watch European countries dominate and won each the last four editions of the FIFA World Cup after themselves have made history with their countries in their time.

Since Brazil beat Germany in the final to win the first edition of the competition to be held outside Europe, South America, or North America, when Korea and Japan hosted it in 2002, European countries like Italy, Spain, Germany and France have won the following editions respectively.

Only once has a country from another continent other than Europe reached the final in that time as well, with Argentina losing to Germany in the final of the 2014 edition.

Record winners, Brazil also reached the semi finals that year but faltered badly as they were beaten by eventual Champions, Germany 7-1 in Belo Horizonte.

However, ahead of the 22nd edition of the competition, South American's can be optimistic of their chances to go all the way to the title this time around.

Unsurprisingly, Brazil and Argentina are their most prominent flag bearers. Currently first and third respectively in the latest FIFA ranking, the two countries are the most successful of the Americans in the competition and will both be favourites in Qatar.

Argentina are currently on a run of 35 games unbeaten, which started in 2019 and in that run they have won their first major title in 28 years when they beat Brazil in the final of the Copa America at the Maracana in Rio de Janeiro back in 2021.

They also beat European Champions, Italy last summer to win the Finallisima title in Wembley.

With Lionel Messi and the other players in form, Argentina can easily be said as the best team on form to claim the World Cup title later this year as it would have been very difficult for anyone to stop them had the competition been held in the summer.

Brazil earned more points in the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers, going through the campaign unbeaten. They also narrowly lost in the Copa America final to Argentina and recently moved to the top of the FIFA ranking, ahead of Belgium.

The most reputable National Team in the history of the game, Brazil have the talents but are never lacking in that. However, the players look more hungry lately and that has shown in their performances as they prepare for the World Cup.

Neymar is closing in on history with the National team as he is now a couple of goals away from surpassing Pele as the all-time top scorer for the country and has been in his best form in recent years so far this season.

Vinicius Junior has grown and even though he is still considered a youngster, with the ball at his feet, only a few in world football can do more than he does.

Gabriel Jesus, Raphinha, Antony, Richarlison, Bruno Guimarães, Allison, Ederson to mention but a few are some of the best in the world in their respective positions.

As always in almost all the editions since finishing runners up to Uruguay in 1950 before going on to reach another six finals and winning it five times, Brazil are again one of the favourites and the good news this time is, they are arguably the best team on the planet.

With many of the top European countries not having their best time, the South Americans will know that this year presents their best chance to win the title compared to their recent unsuccessful attempts.

South America will also have other contingents in Qatar, in the likes of Uruguay, who won the maiden edition of the competition in 1930 and have added one more in 1950, and Ecuador but realistically, Brazil and Argentina hold their best chance for glory this time.

Uruguay controversially sealed qualification for the World Cup and lost to Iran before beating Canada in their final friendly before the tournament.

La Celeste are not currently at their best and the unfortunate injury that ruled out defender, Ronald Araujo from the tournament further dampened their chances.

Looking forward to the South American nations in Qatar as it is widely believed that it is from their continent that good football emerged and as well the best players.

European countries are continuously having success in challenging them for that crown and another unsuccessful outing in Qatar will go a long way in backing the claim that elite football is now in Europe.

No other continent, other than Europe and South America has won the World Cup and that is not excepted to change even after the 22nd edition in Qatar but would South America teams finally stand up to the Europeans ?

Qatar 2022 awaits...

Author: Kehinde Hassan Afolabi