Teams in Group A - the Netherlands with a Point to Prove, Senegal and Ecuador Ready to Pounce
Group A boasts heavy favourites in the Netherlands, tournament dark horses in Senegal, South American hot-shots in Ecuador, and hosts in Qatar. Host nation Qatar opens the tournament against Ecuador at the Al Bayt Stadium on November 20th, but all eyes in Group A will be on the Netherlands.
The Dutch have a super-talented squad but failed to qualify for the previous World Cup. If Senegal and Ecuador smell blood, things can get tricky for the Oranje once again. As for the hosts, they will do their best, but we have a feeling it won't be enough to secure qualification. Let's look at the chances of each team and see which nation will end up winning Group A.
Ecuador - Can the Ecuadorians Repeat their CONMEBOL Form?
Ecuador has a decent chance to qualify from Group A even though bookmakers will have you believe otherwise. The Ecuadorians drew 1-1 with Argentina and Brazil in the World Cup 2022 qualifiers. In addition to keeping Lionel Messi and Neymar quiet, they also thrashed Columbia 6-1 and defeated Uruguay 4-2 on the road to the 2022 World Cup.
So, despite the Ecuadorians not being the top seed in Group A but the third favourites behind the Netherlands and Senegal, they will be fancying their chances. Backing them to qualify at is a pretty smart bet.
Netherlands - Will the Favourites Deliver?
Bookmakers have the Netherlands as odds-on favourites to win Group A. However, backing the Dutch is rarely straightforward. That's because their World Cup performances are either very good or abysmal. For instance, they failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup but finished as runners-up in 2010 and were third in 2014.
So, which Dutch side will show up in this competition? Will it be Dr Jekyll or Mr Hyde? Bookies seem to think the Dutch will walk through Group A and win it with ease. However, we advise caution.
Qatar - Will the Hosts Survive their First World Cup Appearance?
No one talks about Qatar winning Group A, and there are only a few backing the hosts to qualify from the group. So, what can they hope for? Well, one look at those Qatar odds tells you that getting a draw would be great for the hosts and getting two will be massive.
However, don't expect the hosts to light up the stage with their performances. They have already made history by hosting this World Cup and appearing in it, and that's enough in our books.
Senegal - Mane to Lead Senegal to 2022 World Cup Glory?
According to bookmakers, there are two favorites to win Group A - the Netherlands and Senegal. However, unlike the Dutch, the Senegalese won't have to deal with the pressure of being the top dog in their group. And that can only help them. We have a feeling Sadio Mane and Co will be the surprise package of World Cup 2022, and backing them to qualify from Group A, with quite impressive odds, is the least you can do.
WC Group A Winner Betting Odds
The Dutch are heavy favourites to win Group A, and the low Netherlands odds you see at bookmakers indicate that. If you are looking for a good value bet though, Ecuador and Senegal can deliver it. The two nations can spring a surprise and catch the Dutch off-guard, and if they do, you will benefit from some decent WC Group A odds.