FIFA World Cup 2022: The World Cup 2022 has reached its mid-phase with the Round of 16 matches set to begin from Saturday with Netherlands vs USA.
While it was an emotional and rollercoaster ride for the qualified teams, the likes of Uruguay, Belgium, Germany were some that faced the exit door.
It was a tournament to forget for the above 3 teams as they were supposed top contenders for the title but couldn’t manage past the group stage.
The likes of Uruguay, Germany and Belgium were expected to continue their good form and favorites for the crown but Alas, it was not to be.
Today, we look at the reasons why these top contenders missed out on progress in the FIFA World Cup 2022
Late arrivals
In a World Cup format, beginning in the tournament with wins is the way of success as teams have 3 matches to seal their progress.
The likes of Uruguay, Germany and Belgium did not arrive at the World Cup it seemed as their performances lacked spunk and desire.
Uruguay was in a must-win situation but had to rely on other results as well to ensure progress. Such permutations and combinations do not bode well during the World Cup. Rather than helping it puts the team under pressure.
Belgium’s win against USA was a rather narrow one as they were not the superior side which was followed by a loss.
Belgium was FIFA’s No. 2-ranked team going into the World Cup.
They’re officially out. pic.twitter.com/yiGIl0K9WF
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) December 1, 2022
Germany’s shock defeat on MD 1 saw them lack focus and seem lethargic in their approach, by the time they beat Costa Rica it was too little too late.
No impactful performances
These top sides did not show any scope of impactful performances during the competition unlike their counterparts.
We saw Asian sides progress to the World Cup knockouts as they showcased this trait.
Germany and Belgium took it easy during the group stage, which saw them hoping for results to go their way.
URUGUAY HAVE BEEN KNOCKED OUT OF THE WORLD CUP IN THE FINAL MINUTES 😱 pic.twitter.com/RwqCJ7wDHY
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) December 2, 2022
Both teams had supreme quality players, but all of them failed to deliver at the WC stage in Qatar. Due to this, failure was evident.
Defensive frailties/Lack of goals
Also read:Â FIFA World Cup 2022: Asian Teams who have qualified for Round of 16; See Names
Belgium and Uruguay recorded just 1 and 2 goals each in the competition. The former side lacked clinical edge in front of goal.
Lukaku’s 4 missed chances in the final group match vs Croatia will go down in history as one of the nation’s poorest showings in a crucial fixture.
Uruguay managed just 2 goals all of which came vs Ghana in the decider.
These sides had massive defensive frailties as Germany lost a goal advantage to Japan on MD 1 before nearly slipping up against Costa Rica as well.
Die Mannschaft managed 6 goals but 4 of them came in the decider match as they even conceded twice. From the above three teams, Belgium is the one with a negative goal difference.
Germany have been knocked out in the group stage in back-to-back World Cups 😳 pic.twitter.com/rt0a0btXYg
— GOAL (@goal) December 1, 2022
One is likely to succumb at a stage as competitive as the World Cup, when the foundation of the team isn’t clear in its roles.
