WHO WILL WIN THE WORLD CUP?
Everyone has an opinion on who will win the World Cup, whether it be Argentina, Brazil, defending champion France, Germany or some other side.
And that includes players and coaches in the Major Arena Soccer League.
We asked several well-known personalities in the league who they thought was going to take on the FIFA World Cup trophy on Dec. 18, which team was their dark horse, how the United States, Mexico and Canada would fare and which players from those North American sides will stand out in Qatar over the next month.
Milwaukee Wave head coach Giuliano Oliviero realized this probably will be a tournament we have never seen before. It is essentially a "winter tournament," being held right smack in the middle of just about every European league season.
"World Cups are usually played in environments that the players and the 'usual' favorite teams have seen before and are used to," he said. "Qatar will be different, hopefully in a positive way."
Kansas City Comets TV analyst Erik Bergrud was impressed on how the MASL teams are taking advantage of the World Cup, which will be held during the start of the 2022-23 season.
"As an added bonus this year, soccer fans in the United States can watch World Cup matches in the morning and afternoons and MASL matches in the evenings," he said. "Kudos to all the MASL teams hosting World Cup watch parties this year!
Let's find out who likes whom and why:
WHO WILL WIN THE WORLD CUP?
Kraig Chiles, San Diego Sockers forward
My favorite to win the World Cup is Argentina. I want to see Messi go out where he rightfully deserves to be, which is on the top.
Clay Roberts, Florida Tropics head coach
World Cup favorite is Brazil. The talent on this roster is simply remarkable and will be tough to topple.
Keith Tozer, MASL commissioner
France. It almost impossible to win back-to-back but France is all set up with dynamic play and talented roster of Kylian Mbappe, Karim Benzema and Antoine Griezmann spearheading the front line. Of course, love the 4-1 odds of the five-time world champions Brazil.
Chris Toth, Empire Strykers goalkeeper
My favorite to win the cup is Germany. When Bayern Münich are rolling so is the national team.
Ramone Palmer, Empire Strykers defender
For me it's Argentina. I support Argentina. I love Messi. The way Argentina has been playing, I think they have a right balance. Before they had sometimes so many names and superstar players. It just never balanced out properly. It's one of the things too, with Brazil over the years. Germany has done so good at balancing. They're not scared to put big names in on the bench or come off the bench or not call them up. But in Argentina, I'm looking forward to seeing what they do and it's not just Messi. There are so many other players on the team that can hurt you.
Erik Bergrud, Kansas City Comets analyst
Ever since I can remember, I have always picked Brazil to win the World Cup. Once again, they possess superior talent. Will they develop the chemistry necessary to lift the World Cup Trophy?
Joey Tavernese, Utica City FC forward
I think Argentina will have a good showing.
Ramone Palmer, Kansas City Comets forward
I have Argentina winning the World Cup. They have the best player in the world Leo Messi who wants nothing more than winning his last WC and his teammates have been showing they will do everything and anything to help him accomplish this goal. They refuse to lose hence their unbeaten run of 35 games
Nick Perera, Tacoma Stars forward
I haven’t really followed this World Cup lead up as closely as others, so my opinion will be slightly unfounded in data, so I’ll give you three teams I think could do well: The Netherlands, Brazil and France.
Jimmy Nordberg, Empire Strykers head coach
I think Brazil will win the World Cup. Weather will play a part in it. They have depth and talent.
Franck Tayou, Empire Strykers
Brazil has a solid team, but they've always had good teams. they just never play well enough. My guess would probably be Brazil, Brazil or Argentina. Obviously, Brazil has an offense like no other team in in in the tournament. I mean, you have the likes of me. There's so much firing power up top to where if they can defend well as a team [they will do well]. We know the goals are going to come. So, that's probably the reason why they are my favorite. And then Argentina because they just recently won Copa America [2021]. The curse has been broken. I truly believe that this could be the year for Messi. This is an opportunity for him to solidify himself as arguably the greatest of all time, if the team gets behind him the way that did [in Copa America]. He's found form as of late at PSG. He's getting acclimated again, and he's been himself again.
Giuliano Oliviero, Milwaukee Wave head coach
Favorite to win the World Cup, I would have to say Brazil.
WHO IS YOUR DARK HORSE PICK?
Keith Tozer, MASL commissioner
Croatia. Lost in the finals in 2018 and might have enough to pull upsets later in the tournament.
Clay Roberts, Florida Tropics head coach
USA! I'm excited for the next generation of the U.S. players to come through and have their shot at defining history. We have seen it in the past with stars like Landon Donovan, Clint Dempsey and Brian McBride. I think the next wave of American talent is here and they are ready for the occasion. Let's Go USA!
Robert Palmer, Empire Stryker defender
Everybody's talking about Argentina, France, Brazil. The Germans, they're the dark horse. People not talking about them because they're young. Denmark is a dark horse team. They've been doing good, and they have players who can hurt teams and they barely missed out on the final when England scored in the overtime [at Euro 2021 semifinals]. They have Christian Eriksen, which would be a big boost.
[Note: Eriksen, a midfielder, suffered cardiac arrest at the Euros, but has returned playing for Denmark].
Erik Bergrud, Kansas City Comets TV analyst
If I were to go out on a limb, I would pick England to bring the cup home in 2022. Manager Gareth Southgate’s national squad has exceeded expectations in recent years. To all those North American Premier League fans who leave their blood, sweat and tears on barstools every Saturday morning, this pick is for you.
Giuliano Oliviero, Milwaukee Wave head coach
My dark horse would be Spain. They could have beaten Italy at Euros. Spain is a great young team and have a terrific coach in Luis Enrique.
Nick Perera, Tacoma Stars forward
I would love to see Belgium win it, so I’ll go with them.
Joey Tavernese, Utica City FC forward
Croatia will make some noise.
Kraig Chiles, San Diego Sockers forward
My dark horse will be Holland.
Chris Toth, Empire Strykers goalkeeper
My dark horse team for the tournament is Holland. They have some really good young players mixed in with veterans and I’ve always like the style of play they use.
Clay Roberts, Florida Tropics head coach
USA! I'm excited for the next generation of the US players to come through and have their shot at defining history. We have seen it in the past with stars like Landon Donovan, Clint Dempsey, and Brian McBride. I think the next wave of American talent is here and they are ready for the occasion. Let's Go USA!
Jimmy Nordberg, Empire Strykers head coach
Darkhorse is Croatia. These are the Brazilians of Europe in style of play. They have talent and could use special players to get to the cup.
Franck Tayou, Empire Strykers
It would probably be Portugal. I think obviously the main man [Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo] going through the circus is going to the last couple of weeks couple of months. I think he's gone What four or five games without scoring that's unheard of in his career. People are going to count Portugal out because he's the main guy. He's the one that gets them going. You want an environment where you feel love and you're appreciated; you need to win. Even though he's not going to be fully fit, if he can find the joy and fun again while he's playing and get his teammates behind him, they could go far.
Ramone Palmer, Kansas City Comets forward
Uruguay is my dark horse.
HOW WILL THE U.S., MEXICO AND CANADA FARE?
Keith Tozer, MASL commissioner
USA gets out of Group B along with England (USA beats Wales in game one and defeats Iran but loses to England)
Mexico and Argentina advance out of Group C (Mexico defeats Saudi Arabia and Poland loses to Argentina).
Belgium and Croatia move on out of Group F (Canada beats Morocco but falls to Belgium and Croatia).
Clay Roberts, Florida Tropics head coach
I think the USA, Canada and Mexico will represent Concacaf extremely well. All teams are playing great, and timing is everything! Players from each respective country are performing well at the club level and I think that momentum will give them all the quality they are looking for in the group stages.
All for the same reason, U.S./Canada/Mexico have young talent that are thirsty to represent at the national level and have been underperforming or have missed out in the last World Cup. Sometimes when you are out to prove yourselves. It presents a confidence and motivation that can get you through the group stage. All three will have to be at their best in the group stage. I'm excited to see all of them compete.
Giuliano Oliviero, Milwaukee Wave head coach
Excited for Canada. They were great in qualifying and prepared for each game.
Ramone Palmer, Kansas City Comets forward
I would love to see the U.S advance but I don’t see USA Mexico and Canada making it out the group stage.
Erik Bergrud, Kansas City Comets analyst
History will be made at the 2022 World Cup at Qatar. For the first time ever, the United States, Canada and Mexico have all qualified for the same tournament. They will each compete again in 2026 as co-hosts for the next World Cup. Each time the United States has advanced beyond the opening round of the World Cup, they have relied on outstanding goalkeeping to propel them through difficult matches. Look for the USA and Mexico goalkeepers to help their teams advance to the second round. If Alphonso Davies can perform at a superior level, Canada has an outside chance to advance from a difficult Group F.
Nick Perera, Tacoma Stars forward
I think the Concacaf teams will really struggle competitively with the demand of the tournament. There tends to be surprises when the U.S. or Mexico approach a World Cup, but I can’t really see any of the three teams advancing into the latter phases. ... If I had to pick, I would say Mexico, based purely on their World Cup historical success.
Joey Tavernese, Utica City FC forward
The USA's tournament will be decided with their first game. If they have a positive result and play well, I see them getting out of the group. If not, it could be a tough three games.
Canada may surprise some people, but they are in a tough group.
Mexico is in a similar situation to Canada.
Robert Palmer, Empire Strykers defender
The U.S. has a strong group with England and Wales. I think they can get out of the group. I think it will be England and it's going to come down to the U.S. or Wales. It depends on which U.S. team shows up. And that's a good thing with the World Cup. It's so unknown. You might lose your first game because of nerves or what whatnot, but then you pick it up second and third games. So, I think the U.S. has a good chance of making the Round of 16.
Canada is solid, but I think similar to us. Just a lot of inexperience, not been there at the last World Cup and same with us. I think Canada will go probably to the Round the 16. They're playing together as a team, even in the qualifiers. I followed them in qualifying because Jamaica was in there as well [Editor's note: Palmer is a former Jamaican youth international]. They're kind of above everyone in Concacaf.
Mexico was in and out. Mexico should be the strongest of the three. But you never know. Look at the Gold Cups and qualifying; Mexico is up and down. You never know what Mexico will bring. They have Hirving Lozano playing at Napoli.
Franck Tayou, Empire Strykers forward
The United States, it's a matter of after missing the previous World Cup, definitely getting there with a chip on his shoulder. We can't really expect much, but just encourage them to go out there, grow as the tournament goes on, and most importantly, gain the experience. Not favorite to win by any stretch of the imagination. So, there's no pressure on them to go out, represent your country to the best of your ability, giving your all. We have players young enough to where I feel like this will only make us better and better and better. And that's the goal.
Mexico, I went and watched them when they played against Peru in California. I think they are missing a goal scorer. I don't think they have a foreword that can put the ball into back the neck consistently. I think they're looking for the goals from just about anybody. That that could be probably the most challenging part of their journey at the World Cup. In the last World Cup, they beat the defending champion in Germany.
It's a tournament. Anything can happen. I'm rooting for all of them. I'm rooting for the U.S. more than the other two. We can expect them to go out there and put their best foot forward and see what happens.
Kraig Chiles, San Diego Sockers forward
I think U.S, Canada and Mexico will all fight to get out of the bracket but won’t advance much further than that. Obviously, I’d love to see the USA go on a long run. They have a great group of young dynamic players but may lack the experience needed to get the job done. Alfonso Davies, Christian Pulisic and Chucky Lozano would be the top three players from those teams.
Chris Toth, Empire Strykers goalkeeper
I think the USA and Mexico will get out of their groups, but I don’t think Canada will. The U.S. has earned results from England in the past and I believe they can beat Iran and Wales. Mexico is in a tough group, but I believe they will do enough to go through as they really only need to beat Saudi Arabia and Poland. Canada is in a very difficult group with Croatia and Belgium, and I don’t see them making it out.
Jimmy Nordberg, Empire Strykers head coach
I think the USA will fare the best out of Mexico and Canada.
USA has some young talent that is playing in Europe, hopefully they can lead us out of group play.
Canada has some injuries that will affect them, Mexico has been struggling in previous games and don’t seem to be in form.
Giuliano Oliviero, Milwaukee Wave head coach
Excited for Canada. They were great in qualifying and prepared for each game. I like Davies and the entire forward line for Canada.
WHO WILL STAND OUT FOR THE NORTH AMERICAN TEAMS?
Clay Roberts, Florida Tropics head coach
USA - Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie
Canada - Alphonso Davies, Jonathan David
Mexico - Hirving Lozano, Guillermo Ochoa
All for the same reason, US/Canada/Mexico have young talent that are thirsty to represent at the national level and have been underperforming or have missed out in the last World Cup. Sometimes when you are out to prove yourselves. It presents a confidence and motivation that can get you through the group stage. All three will have to be at their best in the group stage. I'm excited to see all of them compete.
Keith Tozer, MASL commissioner
USA - Goalkeeper Matt Turner will need to turn in huge performances as the U.S. back line is not as good as in past cups. Weston McKennie, Tyler Adams and Gio Reyna, all performing very good in Europe and will need to lead the team from the middle. Tyler Adams can become the much-needed leader. Like [Lionel] Messi for Argentina, it's time now for Christian Pulisic to shine, score goals and lead.
Mexico - They have reached the knockout stage in the last seven World Cups so they have tradition behind them. However, in each one they lost in the Round of 16. If they are going to reach their stated goal or even go further, they are going to need Napoli winger Hirving "Chucky" Lozano to be a difference-maker and inspire them in attack. Mexico's squad is technically and tactically sound, with players who are savvy at keeping possession and managing a game. Could struggle at defending set pieces.
Canada - First World Cup since 1986 is great and could maybe steal a victory over Belgium or Croatia and will need three points vs. Morocco. First game in any World Cup is the first game and to play the No. 2 team in the world Belgium could be a great underdog victory that could send a shock wave and at the same time build great confidence. Head Coach [John] Herdman holds this team together, and their performance at the World Cup will depend largely on maintaining that squad buy-in. Look for internationals like Red Star Belgrade's Milan Borjan, the midfielder Porto's Stephen Eustaquio is a must-start when healthy, and 37-year-old Atiba Hutchinson. Will need to defend from the beginning as a whole.
Ramone Palmer, Kansas City Comets defender
Alphonso Davies will stand out for Canada. Guillermo Ochoa for Mexico. USA will have some rising star.
Erik Bergrud, Kansas City Comets analyst
If Alphonso Davies can perform at a superior level, Canada has an outside chance to advance from a difficult Group F.
Franck Tayou, Empire Strikers forward
I'm not exactly sure who we're going to start in goal. Matt Turner, he's probably the one who will get a shot. He's going to take advantage of it. I played with him when I was with the Richmond Kickers. He has a great attitude and a great mentality. So rooting for him. He'll probably be the one that that that stands out. Obviously, we all know the quality of Pulisic, but he hasn't been playing consistently at a club level. That always affects you when you get on the world stage, especially because there is not much time to prepare or increase your fitness because. But he's a quality player and he's a guy that if he can find rhythm within the first the first few games in the group stage and go to the second stage you can definitely have a good tournament.
For Mexico, I think Chucky Lozano., He had winning goal against Peru [a 1-0 Mexico win]. He is an engine. He works extremely hard. Je works on both sides of the ball. he wants to make things happen. He wants to create He wants to score and he's a winner.
As for Canada, Alphonso Davies. He actually made his debut with Vancouver in my first year in USL in San Antonio. At the time, a very, very bright talent. He's lived up to the to the hype and expectation. He's trained with the biggest club out of all these teammates that are with the national team. I think he will stand out. He will have a great tournament.
Robert Palmer, Empire Strykers defender
For the USA, I liked center back Miles Robinson, but he had an Achilles injury. I watched him vs. Jamaica in the Gold Cup He was he was a cut above. He was so good in the back. But I like Claudio Reyna' son, Gio, who plays for Dortmund. I'm looking forward to seeing what he can do in the World Cup.
For Canada, Davies, if he's fully healthy. He's the main force behind the Canadian team with that experience and what he brings there,
For Mexico, Lozano. He can be really instrumental to the Mexican team and bringing his experience there. He's really good. I like seeing him playing. So dynamic.
Joey Tavernese, Utica City FC forward
The USA has a ton of young talent - Pulisic, Musah, McKinnie, Reyna and Weah. They all are young, great players with something to prove.
Canada has Alfonso Davies who is a world class player and who started in the USL.
Mexico has Ochoa in goal who always shows up for the big events and [Raul] Jimenez and Lozano to bolster the attack.
Kraig Chiles, San Diego Sockers forward
Alfonso Davies, Christian Pulisic and Chucky Lozano would be the top three players from those teams.
Michael Lewis, the editor of FrontRowSoccer.com, can be followed on Twitter at @SoccerWriter. He can be reached via email at Michael@FrontRowSoccer.com. His book Alive and Kicking: The incredible, but true story of the Rochester Lancers, recently was published. It can be purchased at https://tinyurl.com/2p8rzhpy.
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