The dismal form of Europe’s powerhouses in the weeks leading up to the commencement of the World Cup in Qatar implies there could be a change of guard.
European nations have won every World Cup since 2002, when Brazil won its fifth and last title in Japan and South Korea.
Europe has provided 13 of the 16 semifinalists in the last four World Cups, with Italy, Spain, Germany, and France prevailing.
But defending European champions Italy failed to qualify for Qatar, and the chances of England, France, Germany, and Spain are uncertain.
The Three Lions were relegated from the top division of Uefa’s Nations League following a six-match winless streak heading into a big event.
Les Bleus and Germany each won just one of their six Nations League group games. As a result of favorable results for other teams, France avoided the same fate.
Spain have advanced to the semifinals of this competition, but lost 2-1 to Switzerland at home last week.
A midseason World Cup for European nations, with no time for pre-tournament training camps or friendlies, adds to the uncertainty.
Between now and the World Cup break on November 13 — a week before the tournament begins — the best players in Europe might play up to 13 times for their clubs.
“Everyone faces the same difficulty. It’s a strange time since so many teams’ fates are uncertain, according to England manager Gareth Southgate.
“Very few teams have been able to find their form.
“We’ve all had the players for three or four days, played two games in fast succession, and now we’re in a gap where we’re hoping not to have major injuries, but we will.”
Injuries, exhaustion, and the competitive nature of the Nations League have been identified as the reasons why some of the traditional powers are struggling.
Spain and Portugal were in the same Nations League group as England, Germany, and Italy.
Southgate stated, “We are playing and have been playing some top-tier teams, and we will be better for it.”
“In the past, we’ve had stretches of friendlies or other types of matches, followed by tournaments. This is the first time we’ve encountered formidable opposition.”
France’s 2-0 loss to Denmark on Sunday was without a number of talents who Didier Deschamps hopes will be healthy for the World Cup.
Deschamps emphasized the importance of regaining full strength during the next two months.
As the European contenders struggle to maintain continuity with limited preparation time, Argentina and Brazil travel to Qatar as the in-form teams.
Lionel Messi, who is 35 years old and could be participating in his final World Cup, is enjoying his time with the best Argentina team of his international career.
The men coached by Lionel Scaloni are now on a national record 35-game unbeaten streak dating back to 2019, which includes Messi’s first big international trophy at last year’s Copa America.
Brazil’s only loss in 29 matches was in the final of the Copa America on home soil.
The vast majority of these matches have been played against inferior opponents in friendlies and South American World Cup qualifying.
In June, in the first-ever “Finalissima” between the champions of Europe and South America, Argentina defeated Italy 3-0 in a strong performance, putting to rest any doubts about the caliber of the team.
“Argentina and Brazil are my top two competitors,” stated Spain’s manager Luis Enrique. “Above all others.”
AFP