Don’t underestimate Qatar

Too many people are underestimating Qatar. Let me remind you that in the hundred year history of the FIFA World Cup, only a single host nation has gone out in the first round (South Africa in 2010, and even then, they got 4 points and very nearly advanced).

Anything is possible when you’re host nation. Four years ago, Russia came into their tournament as the lowest ranked team, and went all the way to the quarterfinals. In 2002, South Korea, who had never won a World Cup game before, reached the semis (in a highly controversial run). Not to insinuate conspiracies, but I’m sure there will be a lot of string pulling/pressure from FIFA and higher ups to get Qatar into the knockout stages in this tournament.

Besides this, Qatar is a decent team for Asian standards. They’re reigning champions of the Asian Cup, and did well in two other major tournaments (Gold Cup and Copa America). I’m not saying they’re good enough to top the group, but I’ve seen too many predictions where Qatar don’t get a single point, and in my view, that’s highly unlikely.