Qatar 2022 is just around the corner, with only a few days left. In this competition, we’ll see thirty-two countries compete for the FIFA World Cup trophy in winter for the first time. We’ll also have the opportunity to watch the greatest players in the modern game as they play with their compatriots wearing their country colours. The competition also provides ample opportunities for punters to wager on World Cup betting odds and win real money.
With reigning champions France set to face stiff opposition from equally strong nations like Argentina, Brazil, Germany, and Belgium, whether or not they can clinch a back-to-back title remains to be seen. However, fans will witness the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Karim Benzema, Kelvin Debruyne, and other global stars in action as they battle for the top prize in soccer.
However, despite the massive number of talents available in Qatar 2022, some huge stars will miss out on the tournament’s action. This post will look at seven stars who will not be in competitive action at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Erling Haaland
One of the superstars missing the 2022 FIFA World Cup is Manchester City’s free-scoring striker, Erling Haaland. This guy has rapidly established himself as one of the best strikers in the world after scoring 18 goals in 12 appearances for the Cityzens already this season.
Unfortunately, he won’t be appearing in the World Cup since his home country, Norway, could not qualify for the prestigious tournament. He’ll be missed, no doubt, but most defenders will likely be relieved that they won’t have to stand in his way.
Mohammed Salah
Senegal dashed Egypt’s dream of playing in Qatar 2022 when they defeated them on penalties in the final qualifying rounds. It was like a Deja Vu feeling to the Egyptians since the Senegalese defeated them about a month back in the AFCON 2022 final, still on penalties.
With Egypt failing to qualify, Liverpool’s leading man and Egypt’s talisman, Mohammed Salah, won’t display his talent at the World Cup level this year. He’ll have to wait four more years and, by then, will probably be a little shy of 34 years old. Let’s hope he can still play at the top level then.
Luiz Diaz
Here’s another Liverpool star that will be watching the competition from home. After successfully making it through the group stages in the previous two editions of the tournament, Colombia and Diaz failed to make it to Qatar.
Colombia finished in the 6th place in the CONMEBOL’s qualification tournament, narrowly missing out on the 5th position by a single point to Peru. They had drawn too many games with just five wins in 18 matches, meaning they didn’t do enough to feature this time.
David Alaba
Until recently, Austria was not regarded as one of the countries expected to appear in the World Cup. However, they’ve had an upturn recently and have the ex-Bayern Munich and current Real Madrid defender to thank.
David Alaba has won almost everything available at the club level. However, he’ll be missing in Qatar 2022 as he could do nothing to prevent Wales from eliminating his national side in the UEFA playoff semi-final.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
All eyes were on Aubameyang after making the headlines and returning to the Premier League from the Spanish side Barcelona in September. This 32-year-old had high hopes of appearing in the World Cup at least once in his career, and he scored two goals in the CAF group stage to show he was ready. However, his national team, Gabon, could not progress to the playoffs after finishing a distant 2nd to Egypt.
Giorgio Chiellini
Another star that won’t be making it to Qatar 2022 is Giorgio Chiellini. He was shocked after North Macedonia knocked his Italian national team out in the UEFA playoff semi-final. He even admitted that he was crushed by the inability of his nation to qualify for a World Cup for the second consecutive tournament, despite being the current Euro Champions.
A bow out in Qatar would have been the best way to bow out from international football for the great defenders. Chiellini knew age was not on his side, and he’ll probably never get to feature in another World Cup. The veteran centre-back eventually retired from international football a couple of months later.
Victor Osimhen
Nigeria has always turned the global football focus in her direction with her unique kits year after year. On the pitch, the Super Eagles have a young and talented side spearheaded by Napoli’s prolific hitman, Victor Osimhen.
However, we won’t see Victor Osimhen and the Super Eagles in action in Qatar 2022 after his national team had a poor AFCON outing, followed by a disappointing away goals defeat to their neighbouring West African rivals, Ghana.
Conclusion
Qatar 2022 will be interesting, no doubt. However, it’ll be missing some stars and their actions. Many stars will be missing at the 2022 World Cup, and we’ve just listed seven. We’ll let’s keep our fingers crossed and enjoy the tournament without them.
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