USMNT vs. Trinidad and Tobago” (CC BY 2.0) by EDrost88
The countdown to the 2022 edition of the soccer World Cup is firmly on. 32 of the best teams around the globe are beginning their final preparations for the tournament which kicks off in Qatar on November 20.
In the case of the United States Men’s Soccer Team, it’s a chance for redemption after the side failed to qualify for the previous tournament in Russia. Coach Gregg Berhalter and his players will travel with a talented roster, but they have been drawn in a tough initial qualifying section.
USMNT Rated
Those 32 nations have been split into eight sections of four teams. Each side will play each other once in the opening stages with the best two countries heading straight into the knockout rounds.
In terms of an overall winner, Brazil, France, England, Belgium and Germany will start among the favorites. As for USMNT, the team are joint second favorites to progress into the knockout rounds.
Group stage betting is available at the World Cup and, according to the markets as sourced by Arabianbetting.com, England are the favorites to qualify from Group B. USA and Wales carry similar odds while Iran are very much the underdogs.
Each team will have international games to play between now and the start of the World Cup. Results from those matches have the potential to change the markets and ArabianBetting will be ready to publish any updates.
While on the site, readers can keep informed regarding the tournament through news articles, blog posts and useful betting guides. There’s lots to absorb and it’s also possible to put that knowledge to the test.
Each sports betting operator mentioned will be taking on new customers, subject to eligibility rules and a completed online sign up form. Once the account has been confirmed, many of those bookmakers start things off with a generous welcome bonus.
A set of deposit options is in place while customer services can handle queries at any stage. Those who continue to play regularly may look forward to ongoing promotions, a choice of other sports and the possibility of live streaming top class events.
It’s the site to follow for anyone looking to bet on the World Cup, but let’s now take a closer look at the USA’s opponents in Qatar.
Wales
If those markets are to be believed, the final qualifying slot in Group B will come down to a straight shootout between Wales and the United States. It is, therefore, unfortunate for both sides that this is the first fixture that the teams will contest.
If either team loses when they meet in Al Rayyan on November 21st, their World Cup hopes may already be over.
For Wales, much will depend on the form and fitness of Gareth Bale who is currently playing in America with MLS side Los Angeles FC. Bale is their top scorer in internationals and their best player by some distance.
As a nation, Wales are appearing in their first World Cup finals since 1958 but they did reach the semifinals of the UEFA EURO in 2016. It’s a tough fixture and the winner may well be occupying the final qualifying place from this section.
England
Semi Finalists in 2018, England carried on their good form by progressing to the final of Euro 2020. This is a young and improving side and coach Gareth Southgate will be aiming to go one better this year.
The obvious dangerman within the squad is the captain and main striker Harry Kane. His first 73 matches for the senior side have produced 50 goals and he is closing in on the 53 goal national record which was set by current DC United coach Wayne Rooney.
England have qualified for every World Cup since 1998 and are favorites to win Group B. Their match with USMNT takes place in Al Khor on November 25.
Iran
Iran are the makeweights of the group, but they will be hoping to claim at least a point while avoiding finishing at the bottom of the group.
They have qualified for five of the last seven World Cups and Iran will look to make it difficult for the US when the teams meet in Doha on November 29.
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