PITA’s 2022 World Cup predictions

Well, let’s see how this goes.

The eyes of the world are poised to gaze upon Qatar for the next month as the Middle Eastern country prepares to host the 22nd FIFA World Cup. The controversy surrounding the tournament is well-documented – to say the least – and now it’s time for the football to take centre stage.

Despite the unprecedented nature of the competition, the 2022 Qatari World Cup should still be an absolute spectacle.

We’ve approached that time when predictions for the tournament are being thrown out of every single online outlet at an alarming rate, and we’d be foolish not to join the fun.

PITA’s 2022 World Cup predictions

The masterminds at Pain in the Arsenal have racked their brains, and each have provided their predictions for the 2022 World Cup.

James Cormack

Winner: Argentina – Look, I just want the Lionel Messi fairytale, okay? Is that too much to ask, football Gods?

Golden Boot: Lionel Messi – See above. The greatest footballer we’ve ever seen enjoys his crowning moment.

Dark Horse: Uruguay – Diego Godin may still be marshalling the defence at the tender age of 65 but this Uruguay side is well-balanced with its key players in excellent form.

Shock Early Exit: Belgium – Roberto Martinez’s side have been drawn into a pretty tricky group and I think they’re overly reliant on their midfield engine room. Who’s scoring the goals? Romelu Lukaku has barely kicked a ball since re-joining Inter.

Best Performing Arsenal Player: Bukayo Saka – Saka’s enjoyed a stellar start to the season and he should play his way into Gareth Southgate’s starting XI in Qatar. England are poised for a deep run and the Arsenal starboy is set to play a pivotal role.

Continued on the next slide…