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The current international break has been intriguing due to the FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Usually, football fans frown upon the mere thought of an interval during the club football season. However, due to the FIFA World Cup qualifiers, fans around the world have found a reason to watch international matches.
2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers have produced some astonishing results
The 2022 World Cup qualifiers are in their final stages. Dominant teams like Germany and Brazil have produced scintillating displays over the course of the qualifying phase and booked their place in the World Cup long ago. On the other hand, many unexpected teams have also managed to qualify for the World Cup.
Serbia shocked the footballing world when they beat Portugal 2-1 in Matchday 10 to earn direct qualification to next year’s World Cup at the expense of Cristiano Ronaldo’s team. This article will take you through five such teams who have exceeded expectations during the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers:
#5 Mali
Mali have been outstanding in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers. They topped Group E with 16 points from six matches. The African country has progressed to the final round of qualifiers that will take place in March next year. Five of the 10 teams in the final round will qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Mali is essentially one step away from qualifying for their first-ever FIFA World Cup. The west African country has scored 11 goals in six encounters, averaging almost two per game. On the other side of the spectrum, they have not conceded a single goal in any match during the FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
They came into the international break knowing that a win would seal their spot in the final qualification round, and they did it in style by beating Rwanda 3-0. Ibrahima Kone has been their top scorer, with five goals in as many appearances.
#4 Saudi Arabia
Among the Asian teams, Saudi Arabia’s performances in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers have certainly been worth a mention. After five games, they are top of the table in Group B. Considering Australia and Japan are a part of the group, it is a massive feat for the Middle-East nation.
Saudi Arabia have dropped just two points so far. Apart from their stalemate against Australia, they have won all games, most notably beating Japan, a country ranked much higher than them in the FIFA World Rankings.
They have also scored the joint-highest number of goals among both Asian qualifying groups, with three Saudi Arabia players tied on two goals each in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Although they have a three-point lead over second-placed Australia, there is still a long way to go in Asia’s FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
#3 Ecuador
Not many football fans expected Ecuador to be placed third at this stage of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The South American side have been terrific and hold a four-point gap over Chile, Colombia and Uruguay.
Ecuador, who failed to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, are in a great position to gain direct qualification this time around. Their attack has been the talk of the town as they have netted 21 times in 13 games. Along the way, they have beaten Colombia 6-1 and Uruguay 4-2.
While it has been smooth sailing for Ecuador in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers, they are set to face Chile, Brazil and Argentina in three of their last five matches. With that being said, their four-point lead over the chasing pack should ensure they qualify.
#2 Switzerland
Switzerland made headlines yesterday as they finished first in Group C of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers. They were consistent in both attack and defense throughout the qualifiers, and they deservedly bagged a spot at next year’s World Cup.
It is quite remarkable that Switzerland finished above European champions Italy. Both teams were on 15 points as they kicked off their final group game last night. While Switzerland defeated Bulgaria 4-0, Italy failed to score and shared the spoils with Northern Ireland.
Although Switzerland produced an attacking masterclass at Luzern, their defense has been brilliant in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers. No one in their right mind would have bet against Italy topping the group, but the Granit Xhaka-captained side made it happen.
#1 Serbia
Serbia has been the biggest surprise package during the FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Despite being placed in the same group as Portugal, the Dusan Tadic-led nation overcame all odds and went unbeaten. Overall, Serbia finished the qualifiers with 20 points from eight matches in Group A.
The crucial result that decided the fate of Group A came on Sunday. Portugal and Serbia, both on 17 points, faced each other in Lisbon. Although Portugal were the favourites to win the match, Serbia registered a 2-1 victory.
Skipper Tadic scored near the half-hour mark to cancel out Renato Sanches' opener, before setting up Aleksandar Mitrovic for a late winner. Mitrovic’s eighth goal in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers took Serbia above Portugal in the group, confirming their place in the World Cup next year.
