Between November 21st and December 18th, the football fans all over the world will watch the biggest stars and the best national teams in the World Cup of Qatar. For you, student of Spanish, there are many teams and players to know more about. We will give you a hand to present the spanish speaker national teams and their stars:
Spain
La Roja or La Furia is one of the favorites for the World Cup. Famous for the game style of “tiki taka” (short passing and movement), the Spanish National Team mixes the experience of Busquets, Alba and Azpilicueta with the potential of youth players like Pedri, Ferran Torres and Gavi. The last participation in Euro and Nations League can give good perspective about the Spanish performance in the “Mundial”.
The best performance in the History of World Cups was in South Africa, when Spain won the unique world championship in a memorable goal of Iniesta against the Netherlands.
Some facts:
Top scorer: David Villa
World Champions: 2010
Last participation: Round of 16
Argentina
La albiceleste, lead by the legend Lionel Messi, is running now as favorite after winning the Copa America 2021. The end of the period of 28 years without trophies has brought hope to reach the third world championship. Beside Messi, we can also list Di Maria, Lautaro Martínez and Dybala as relevant players that clear the path for the Argentinians ahead.
In the history of World Cups, Argentina has won twice: 1978 and 1986. In these period, the world has met another legends like Maradona, Claudio Caniggia and Mario Kempes.
Some facts:
Top scorer: Lionel Messi
World Champions: 1978 and 1986
Last participation: Round of 16
Uruguay
The World Cup 2022 may presence the last participation of one the most special generations in the Uruguayan football. Lead by Luis Suárez and Edinson Cavani, Uruguay still has not confirmed its participation in the World Cup, but it still can be seen as one of most interesting teams to reach group stage and topple a favorite key team. As rising stars in Uruguay, we can mention De Arrascaeta, Facundo Torres and Diego Rossi.
La Celeste is the first winner of the World Cups, winning at home in 1930. The second championship came in 1950, after the legendary win against Brazil in the Maracanã Stadium. The Uruguays still remember this conquest as “Maracanazo”.
Some facts:
Top scorer: Luis Suárez
World Champions: 1930 and 1950
Last participation: Round of 8
Mexico
The Mexican National is about to confirm the participation in the World Cup 2022. The good participation in the last editions still contrast to the main challenge: advance the step of Round of 16. The veteran goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa is heading to his fourth World Cup and he is the captain.
Some facts:
Top scorer: Javier “Chicharito” Hernández
Last participation: Round of 16
Ecuador
The Ecuador National Team has been one of the biggest surprises in the South American Qualifying. After bad participation in 2014 and absence in 2018, La Tricolor is lead by experienced players Enner Valencia and Moisés Caicedo.
Some facts:
Top scorer: Enner Valencia
Best participation: Round of 16 (World Cup 2006)