The FIFA World Cup 2022 is nearly upon us. The most celebrated and highly anticipated football tournament will run from 21 November until 18 December in Qatar. As fans prepare for the event, whether they’ll be attending to watch in person or will be spectating from the comfort of their own homes, there’s no doubt that predictions and bets are already underway.
Those who enjoy the thrill of combining FIFA celebrations with online sports betting will be watching closely to make the most informed and potentially rewarding wagers. From 1 x 2 bets to outright bets, there are so many options when it comes to online betting for FIFA World Cup 2022.
One of the best places to conduct online sports betting in India is here at 10CRIC. With us, you’re guaranteed the best customer service and experience with the most rewarding odds and betting options. We offer a variety of payment methods for Indian players with high security standards. Our user-friendly sportsbook has plenty in store for the end of the year, but bettors must keep in mind that, unfortunately, there will be some top players missing from the FIFA World Cup 2022 favourites. Who are the ones that won’t be participating in the event?
Sergio Agüero
Sergio Agüero is a former Argentine footballer. Considered the best striker of his generation, as well as one of the best players in Premier League history, ‘Kun’ Agüero retired from football in December 2021 due to a heart condition. The striker had a difficult time making this decision, but it was out of his hands in the end. Agüero was set to join Argentina’s backroom staff for the FIFA World Cup 2022, but recently he’s announced that he declined the offer and will still attend the event but as a fan only.
As far as Sergio Agüero stats, the striker has scored more than 180 goals and wins during his career. The five-time Premier League Champion has won the Under-20 World Cup twice with Argentina. Fans will remember Argentina (with Agüero on the team) almost won the World Cup in 2014 but lost to Germany in the final. While it’s disappointing to see such a star striker retire not just for a season but from the game itself, we can’t fault this Premier League legend for his decision to prioritize his health. Perhaps we’ll see him on Argentina’s staff one day, but until then, we wish him well with his ongoing recovery.
Mohamed Salah
Mohamed Salah is a forward who plays for Liverpool in the English Premier League and he is the current captain of the Egyptian national team. Salah won’t be playing at the FIFA World Cup 2022 as Egypt failed to qualify for the tournament, losing to Senegal in a penalty shoot-out. Both fans and Salah himself were disappointed with the result, which was unusual for the star’s track record. Salah began his football career in 2011 and famously scored a last-minute goal against Congo in the World Cup of 2017. He’s one of the Premier League’s top players who will be sorely missed at the World Cup this year.
The Mohamed Salah stats show just how much of a star player he is. Scoring over 100 goals and wins throughout the years, he’s also won the Golden Boot award twice (2017-2019) and won Premier League Champion for 2019/20. Fans have been worrying for a while whether the champion would possibly retire from the game following his loss during the match against Senegal in the World Cup qualifiers. However, rumours have recently been put to rest with the good news that Salah is expected to sign a new contract with Liverpool once his current one ends in 2023.
Toni Kroos
Another popular player who won’t compete at the FIFA World Cup 2022 is Toni Kroos. Kroos is a German footballer who plays as a midfielder for La Liga club Real Madrid. Considered one of the best midfielders in the world, Kroos retired from international football after Euro 2020 with the intention of focusing solely on his final club days with Real Madrid. Since then, the famous midfielder has continued to shine and excel in his talents. It’s a pity he won’t be showcasing them on the FIFA field at the end of this year.
Kroos was playing for Germany when they won the 2014 World Cup final against Argentina at Estadio Maracana. Recent comments from Kroos have come out against the location of this year’s tournament, voicing the injustice regarding Qatar’s treatment of migrant workers. On his podcast (‘Einfach mal Luppen’), Kroos states that he thinks it’s ‘wrong’ that the 2022 World Cup host was awarded to Qatar, but he doesn’t believe that boycotting the games will result in any real change.
Zlatan Ibrahimović
Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahmović is another star we won’t get to see at the FIFA World Cup 2022. Ibrahamović currently plays for Serie A club and Sweden’s national team. The striker has won a total of 31 trophies during his career as a professional footballer and is thought to be one of the best strikers in history. It comes as no surprise that fans will miss him at the World Cup this year since Sweden lost to Poland in their qualifying match. This would have potentially been his third World Cup participation – his last one was in 2006.
Ibrahimović is now in his forties and has recently struggled with regular injuries. In fact, he lost the chance to play at EURO 2020 because of a knee problem. Rumours have been circulating about his potential retirement, but there has yet to be confirmed. The striker has been vocal about his love for the sport and that he wants to be an active player for as long as he can. Time will tell whether Ibrahimović continues to score on the field or announce retirement and possibly try his hand at coaching instead. Fans will no doubt watch closely to see how this legend’s future plays out.
Giorgio Chiellini
Since Italy again lost its chance to compete at the FIFA World Cup 2022 after its loss to North Macedonia during the qualifying matches, beloved player Giorgio Chiellini won’t be making an appearance either. Chiellini plays defender and is the captain of both Serie A club and the Italian national team.
Previously, Chiellini helped Italy win the World Cup in 2006 in the final match against France. Fans of the 37-year-old striker would have been sad to hear him announce his retirement from international football in June 2022. His final game will be at Wembley against Argentina.
Chiellini will undoubtedly be remembered as one of Italy’s greatest football players. It’s speculated that the loss to North Macedonia contributed to his decision to retire. But the star intends to go out in celebration, officially bidding farewell to his team in June at the stadium where he experienced some of the best moments of his career.
As for the future, Chiellini seems to want to hold back on rushing into any decisions. We’re sure he’ll want to take time to talk with his family and Juventus (a football club in Italy) after his retirement in June before any other news is shared.
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