The 2022 World Cup group stage is shaping up to be a thrilling ride, with David v Goliath battles and high-stakes showdowns that will have fans on the edge of their seats! The Guardian's chief sports writer, Barney Ronay, has identified the must-watch matches, and we can't wait to see which underdogs will rise to the challenge. For instance, Erling Haaland, the Norwegian striker with a reputation for scoring goals for fun, is set to face his former club Manchester City in a mouth-watering clash against Brazil – who knows what fireworks this one will produce?
England's crunch match against Iran is another hotly anticipated fixture that promises to be an absolute cracker. The Three Lions are looking to assert their dominance in the group, but they'll need to keep their cool and composure under pressure if they're to come out on top.
But it's not all about the football – there are also high-stakes political showdowns to look out for. Qatar's match against Ecuador is a prime example, with controversy surrounding the Gulf state's human rights record. Meanwhile, The Netherlands face Senegal in what promises to be a nail-biting encounter, with both teams vying for a spot in the knockout stages.
Ronay's list of must-watch matches is a testament to the unpredictable nature of the World Cup – anything can happen, and we can't wait to see which teams rise to the occasion. The group stage gets underway on November 21st, with the knockout stages commencing on December 9th – it's going to be a wild ride!
With so many talented teams and players competing, the action is set to be non-stop throughout the tournament. Will your favourite team make it out of the group stage, or will they fall by the wayside? One thing's for sure – we'll be glued to our screens as the drama unfolds.