Every World Cup seems to throw up a surprise package, a team who defy the odds and have neutrals cheering them on.
Be it Cameroon at Italia 90, South Korea in 2002 or Ghana in 2010, there’s usually a nation that exceeds expectations by marching into the latter stages.
The element of surprise has a gone a little with fans now able to watch games from all over the globe on their TVs, laptops and smartphones.
But there will still be teams who cause a few shocks at Qatar and here’s a rundown on some dark horses capable of lighting up the tournament.
Denmark
Kasper Hjulmand’s troops were one of the most exciting teams at Euro 2020 and came within a whisker of dumping England out in the semi-finals. They beat world champions France home and away in the Nations League so won’t be fazed by facing the holders in Group A. It would be a surprise if the Danes went all the way in Qatar but Highbet price them at 2/1 to reach the quarter-finals and that looks good value.
Uruguay
Despite finishing fourth in 2010 and reaching the quarter-finals at Russia 2018, few people are talking about Uruguay as contenders in Qatar. But only Argentina and Brazil finished above them in South American qualifying and Diego Alonso’s men could easily top Group H ahead of Portugal, Ghana and South Korea.
With Darwin Nunez joining golden oldies Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani in attack, they certainly posses the firepower to go far in Qatar. Highbet price them at 2/1 to win their group and Uruguay are 12/5 to reach the last eight.
Qatar
Home advantage can count for a lot at a World Cup, as we saw in 2002 when South Korea blazed a trail all the way to the semi-finals. It would be one of the greatest shocks in history if Qatar followed in those footsteps but the host nation could ruffle a few feathers in Group A against the Netherlands, Ecuador and Senegal.
Manager Felix Sanchez has been working with these players since Under-19 level so few teams will be better drilled. After impressing as guests at the Copa America and Gold Cup, Qatar could cause a surprise by reaching the knockout stage, with that bet paying 69/20 at Highbet.
Serbia
The Serbs have regrouped well after the crushing blow of losing at home to Scotland in the Euro 2020 play-offs. They finished ahead of Portugal in the World Cup qualifiers and went unbeaten across their eight games. Like the Uruguayans, they have plenty of punch in attack with Ajax playmaker Dusan Tadic providing the ammunition for Dusan Vlahovic and Aleksandar Mitrovic.
Brazil are hot favourites to top Group G but if Serbia can pip Cameroon and the Swiss to second spot they will be dangerous opponents in the knockout stage.
World Cup Dark Horses Betting Tips
- Denmark to reach quarter-finals (2/1, Highbet)
- Uruguay to win Group H (2/1, Highbet).
Who do you think are the dark horses of Qatar 2022? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.
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I'm a sports journalist, football tipster and author from Dundee, who is now working in Glasgow. I've covered games at every level, from Junior football to internationals, and still love football even though it has clearly sold its soul. I've been in football tipping since 2018 with the MFT site.
