Five potential knockout stage opponents for Spain in World Cup 2022

La Roja started the tournament with a 7-0 win over Costa Rica.

Just 10 years ago Spain was a team with its Golden Generation walking on the field. Spain dominated world football for almost seven-eight years against any friendlies or knockout stage opponents. During that period Spain became UEFA Euro Champions for two consecutive times (2008 & 12) as well as winning the most prestigious award in the world of sports FIFA World Cup 2010 in South Africa. In FIFA World Cup 2022 Qatar Spain is playing with a relatively new and younger side with players like Gavi, Pedri, and Torres.

In their quest for a second World Cup title, Spain will face a tough challenge along their campaign. They are in Group E with 2014 World Cup winner Germany. Apart from Germany Group E also includes Japan & Costa Rica.

Spain starts well

Spain in their opening games against Costa Rice registered a big win. La Roja won the opening game by 7-0. This win put La Roja among the favourites for the championship too. Though, they might face some music in their quest too. Another big favourite in Group E is Germany. Japan with some late brilliance in their offensive game against Germany caused one of the biggest upsets in FIFA World Cup 2022.

This result also gave Spain a little advantage. Spain’s possibility of finishing at the top of Group E looks more promising. Here we should look at the top five potential challenges Spain might face in their run-up to the title.

Croatia (Round of 16)

Perhaps the easiest of the five knockout opponents mentioned for Spain in the list is Croatia. As per the tournament schedule after the group round Group E winner & runner-up will face Group F teams in the Round of 16 aka Pre Quarter Final. In Group F with current performance and predictions, Croatia looks to be securing the runner-up place while Belgium after their opening win against Canada looks set to be at the top. Croatia in their opening game played a draw against Morocco. Though, they are expected to finish as runner-up and meet Spain in the Pre Quarter Final round.

Brazil (Quarter-Final)

Brazil is considered the hot favourite to win World Cup in Qatar, Brazil is placed in Group G, and if Spain wins their Round of 16 games then as per schedule in the Quarter Final they will face the winner of Match 54 (Round of 16). As per the current predictions and performance, Brazil looks hot favourite as the winner of that game. If both Spain & Brazil emerge victorious in their respective games, then fans will be absolutely thrilled to watch a classic in Quarter Final round.

Belgium (Round of 16)

The Red Devils are among the dark horse in FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar. Many experts have rated the recent Belgium team as their Golden Generation. Yet they have not managed to win any big tournaments. Belgium is in Group F with Croatia. If by any chance Belgium slipped to the second position in Group F they will face toppers of Group E Spain. If Spain by any chance finishes second and Belgium stays at the top these two teams will fight hard to continue their title quest.

Portugal (Quarter-Final)

Many Fans are expecting Cristiano Ronaldo lead Portugal to give the legend a victorious sendoff in his career. 37-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo has also hinted that this may be his last FIFA World Cup tournament. Portugal is placed in Group H with Ghana, South Korea and Uruguay. Portugal might finish at top of the group in Group H and may face Switzerland in the Pre Quarter Final. Pundits also expect Portugal to win and this might set up their Quarter Final clash with their neighbours Spain. 

Netherlands (Semi-Final)

Netherlands are perhaps the biggest knockout stage opponents Spain has faced in recent times in tournaments. Men in Orange in this FIFA World Cup 2022 look like a very strong unit. The Dutch team’s defensive line with a relatively young attack complements each other. They are placed in Group A with Qatar, Senegal & Ecuador and are expected to finish at the Top in the group. They might face challenges in Quarter Finals, with teams like Argentina or Denmark. Yet fans are hopeful of a Red vs Orange clash in the Semifinal.