With just over a year to go until the World Cup kicks off, 12 teams have qualified alongside hosts Qatar. 9) DenmarkDenmark raced into the World Cup, qualifying after seven straight wins in which they did not concede a single goal. Having won the World Cup in 1982, Italy failed to qualify for the subsequent Euros in 1984 and the reverse is a distinct possibility now, as the Azzurri risk failing to qualify for consecutive World Cups. 6) ArgentinaOn the subject of last chances, Lionel Messi will be aiming to follow up winning the Copa América with a first ever World Cup in what may be his swan song. 4) EnglandFrom beaten World Cup semi-finalists to beaten European Championship finalists, England will now be fighting against a nearly-men reputation, but their progress is clear to see.

Source: The Guardian November 18, 2021 04:41 UTC