Five dark horses to watch out for at this summer’s World Cup

The World Cup is fast approaching and every nation will be desperate to perform well at football’s biggest tournament. 

However, inevitably, there will be some countries that disappoint on the big stage. Meanwhile, there will be others that far exceed expectations for them. These teams will achieve things that nobody thought possible for them. 

Here are five dark horses to keep an eye out for at this summer’s World Cup… 

Senegal

The World Cup is still yet to have its first African winner. If that is to change this summer, then it would surely be Senegal, who have assembled one of the strongest squads ever seen on the continent. They also have experience winning tournaments, after triumphing at the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year, before having their title taken away from them. 

Their squad is packed to the brim with players with experience at the highest level in top leagues around Europe. They have depth and quality in all areas of the pitch. Sadio Mane is still their biggest star, although Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr both enjoyed brilliant Premier League campaigns and will soon be ready to take the baton from him. Despite this, Senegal are still huge outsiders going into the tournament. You can take advantage of that by using free bets and promotions. 

Norway

After a 28-year absence from the World Cup, Norway will arrive with real belief this summer. The Nordic country will benefit from the services of two genuinely world class superstars – Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard. They also have a fairly strong supporting cast, featuring plenty of familiar faces from around Europe’s top leagues. 

Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt have surprised the footballing world in the Europa League and then the Champions League in recent years. The national team will hope to do the same this summer. The only negatives for Norway is their lack of experience at international tournaments and their group. They have been drawn against France, Senegal and Iraq. 

Ecuador

Another nation without the richest World Cup pedigree is Ecuador. This summer will be just their fifth finals appearance and they have only made it to the knockout stages on one occasion. However, with a well-balanced squad, the South American team look stronger than ever. 

Ecuador had representatives on both sides of this season’s Champions League final, Piero Hincapie and Willian Pacho. Whilst Chelsea’s £115-million man Moises Caicedo, one of the most expensive players in football history, is certainly the country’s biggest star. Ecuador perhaps lack a little firepower going forwards but they have some young talents with big potential. Anything could be possible for them at the tournament. 

Japan

Japan have been steadily rising as a footballing nation across the past two decades or so. This World Cup will be the eighth in a row that they compete at. Last time, they topped a group containing heavyweights Spain and Germany. No Asian country has ever won the World Cup, but Japan will hope to one day be the first. 

They arrive at this summer’s tournament somewhat hampered by injuries. Two of their biggest stars, Kaoru Mitoma and Takumi Minamino, have both been ruled out. Despite this, they have developed a strong footballing style and identity. Japan have plenty of talented players ready to step in and could once again surprise people this summer.  

Turkey

Strangely, Turkey have only played at one other World Cup in the past 70 years – and they made it all the way to the semi-finals. They will hope to repeat the heroics of 2002 this summer, as they return to football’s greatest tournament. 

There is plenty of cause for optimism as well. A number of young Turkish stars are blossoming at some of Europe’s top clubs – Real Madrid’s Arda Guler and Juventus’ Kenan Yildiz are chief amongst them. Turkey have a seriously strong side and have the potential to go a lot further in this summer’s World Cup than people are expecting.