More often than not, when a big tournament rolls around there is at least one group - aka the Group of Death - that makes four teams wince and the others breathe a sigh of relief. Is that the case at the Qatar 2022 World Cup?  

If so, what group is it? If not, what is the most difficult pool to navigate? Since the World Cup is not far away, let's take a look at how the groups are shaping up. 

So, is there a Group of Death at Qatar 2022? 

First things first, we should answer the key question. Is there a Group of Death at Qatar 2022. As you'd expect, some groups look more challenging than others but this time round there aren't any that you look at and consider a real lottery. In summary, there isn't a Group of Death at Qatar 2022. There are, however, some really interesting pairings and, as such, we'll look at every group. 

Group A 

Qatar, Ecuador, Senegal, Netherlands 

When you talk about Groups of Death you are generally saying you can't call who will go through. In Group A the odds lean heavily towards the Netherlands, who has a huge pedigree on the world stage from a historical standpoint, and Senegal, who are a dark horse to go deep in this tournament after winning the African Cup of Nations. Given Qatar are only in their first-ever World Cup as hosts it's hard to see them doing much whilst Ecuador are often participants and not a lot more. 

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Group B  

England, Iran, USA, Euro Play-off (Ukraine, Scotland, Wales) 

Look no further than England where Group B is concerned. The Three Lions made the semi-finals in Russia and then lost the Euro final on penalties last year; they'll be a big side in this competition and should breeze this group. Who joins them is a bit harder to call.  

The USA has a sprinkling of talent in their squad. Iran is tough to break down but never likely to push beyond the first knockout round even if they get out of the group. The final spot of Group B is yet to be decided but any of the three in contention will fancy a shot at second place. 

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Group C 

Argentina, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, Poland 

Argentina are many peoples picks to win the World Cup and after their triumph at the Copa America in 2021, that's hard to argue with. It's even harder to argue with when you see their path to the knockout round; they should breeze through this group. Who will join them? Take your pick between Mexico and Poland. Saudi Arabia, however, will go home early. 

Group D 

France, Denmark, Tunisia, IC Play-Off (Peru, Australia, UAE) 

Group D is not dissimilar in structure to Group C with one standout favorite to top the standings whilst the other three teams won't have a great deal between them regardless of who joins Denmark and Tunisia in completing the pool. France are obviously the bankers to go through.  

Denmark perhaps shade things ahead of Tunisia and the as yet unknown fourth team but, in truth, the horrific incident with Christian Eriksen at the European Championships probably elevated the nation's performances for a little while.  

Group E 

Spain, Germany, Japan, IC Play-Off (Costa Rica, New Zealand) 

There is one spot still up for grabs in this group with Costa Rica or New Zealand completing the standings but, in reality, whoever makes it to Qatar 2022 will have little bearing on what teams progress from the first round. New Zealand and Costa Rica have a lot of similarities in their aims of being hard to beat whilst Japan will be a team every neutral enjoys for the respect they show others. In pure footballing terms though it would be a massive turn up for the books if anyone but Spain and Germany go through. The only question is in what order they top the group. 

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Group F 

Belgium, Canada, Morocco, Croatia 

We're still several months out from Qatar 2022 but Canada and Morocco are probably already gearing up for what will likely be a short stay! Both sides have done well to make it to the World Cup with just the one qualification between them this century prior to the most recent qualification process.  

Croatia should ease through this group despite not being the outfit they were at the last World Cup. Belgium meanwhile could sneak under the radar here; they've already been written off by a few with their "golden generation" now past it – that could ease the pressure on what is still a talented group. 

Group G 

Brazil, Serbia, Switzerland, Cameroon 

There is one name that jumps off the page in this group; that's Brazil. They will top the Group G without any shadow of a doubt and, most likely, they'll go a long way in this tournament. The other three teams though are fairly evenly matched. If backed into a corner, you'd have to say the Swiss have perhaps shown the most of the trio in recent performances. None of them are likely to trouble the so-called bigger nations though. 

Group H 

Portugal, Ghana, Uruguay, South Korea 

We've already admitted that there is no Group of Death at Qatar 2022, however, if you were throwing that label at one group then it would be H. Portugal are the headline team but, despite big names and undoubted ability, they only limped over the qualification line whilst the star man, Cristiano Ronaldo, will be nearly 38-years-old when the tournament gets underway.  

Uruguay meanwhile have a combination of ageing players and upcoming players like Darwin Nunez whilst they hardly blitzed qualification with six defeats. Ghana and South Korea are probably lesser fancied on paper but with players like Thomas Partey (Ghana) and Son Heung-Min (South Korea) they'll be capable of producing wins. 

Argentina lifted the World Cup for the third time, beating France in a penalty shootout in Doha after possibly the greatest final of all time, which ended in a 3-3 draw. Messi captained the Argentina side. He scored seven times and won the Golden Ball as his country won the 2022 World Cup in Qatar in December. For performing on the biggest stage of Football, Argentina & Messi won the Laureus Sport Awards. He is the first athlete to win the team and individual awards in the same year.

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"This is a special honour," said Paris St-Germain forward Messi, 35. "Particularly as the Laureus World Sports Awards are in Paris this year, the city that has welcomed my family since we came here in 2021."

"I want to thank all my team-mates, not only from the national team but also at PSG - I have achieved none of this alone and I am grateful to be able to share everything with them."

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Laureus Sport Awards: Full list

• Laureus World Sportsman of the Year award: Lionel Messi
• Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year award: Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce
• Laureus World Team of the Year award: Argentina men's football team
• Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year award: Carlos Alcaraz
• Laureus World Comeback of the Year Award: Christian Eriksen
• Laureus World Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability Award: Catherine Debrunner
• Laureus World Action Sportsperson of the Year Award: Eileen Gu
• Laureus Sport for Good award: TeamUp (A programme for children displaced by war by Barcelona and Poland striker Robert Lewandowski)

A young woman alleged that Dani Alves had raped her in the bathroom of a nightclub in Barcelona at the end of December. Dani Alves will remain in custody for his trial for alleged sexual misconduct with a woman. He is considering a high-flight risk. The Provincial Court of Barcelona decided Tuesday.

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"There is an elevated risk of absconding, linked on the one hand to the high sentence that could be imposed because of the present case, the serious evidence of criminality against him, and large financial resources that would allow him to leave Spain at any time," the court said in a statement.

The court believes, the 39-year-old's passport would not prevent him from leaving Spain "by air or sea or even by land without documentation.

They also believe he would not be handed over to Spain. The South American country does not usually extradite its citizens if he was taken off to his country, Brazil

Alves initially denied knowing her and changed his story several times. Later he said, they had consensual relations, according to sources close to the case. He is on trial for the alleged crime of sexual assault or misconduct, which in the Spanish penal code includes rape.

The investigating judge ordered that he will remain in custody without bail on 20th January. Pumas UNAM in Mexico sacked Alves after his arrest. In a highly successful career, Alves made 408 appearances for Barcelona. During that time, he won six La Liga titles, three Champions Leagues, and four Copa del Rey trophies. He became the oldest player to represent Brazil at the World Cup in Qatar in 2022.

The statement went on to say that the Glazers were looking at different options, including a new investment or a complete sale. A recent report claimed that investors linked to the Qatari royal family are preparing to present a takeover bid. According to The Mirrors, the Qatar Investment Authority is only interested in a full takeover of the 20-time English champions.

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Qatari Royal Family is set to make a bid on Manchester United

The proposed offer will be submitted in time to meet the deadline of February 17 which has been set up by merchant bank the Raine Group, which is handling the sale. The report claims that the takeover bid is being backed by Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, the Emir of Qatar.

There is uncertainty over how UEFA may react to the bid. Paris Saint-Germain is also owned by Qatar Sports Investment, which is a subsidiary of the Qatar Investment Authority. UEFA has rules on dual ownership, but the Red Bull group, who own clubs such as RB Leipzig and Red Bull Salzburg, have demonstrated that it is still possible to abide by the regulations.

In a separate report, the Daily Mail claims that Qatar could stay within the rules by setting up different leadership teams and corporate structures for PSG and Man United. The Qatari-backed bid will face competition, though, with four serious offers expected to be put forward in the next week.

INEOS owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who owns Ligue 1 side Nice and Swiss outfit FC Lausanne-Sport, is likely to be among the bidders. Ratcliffe is a Man United supporter, and he has previously expressed an interest in buying the Red Devils. The Glazer family is looking to receive an offer in the region of £5bn ($6.6bn), although there is a suggestion that a £4.5bn ($5.5bn) bid could be accepted.

On the pitch, Man United claimed a 2-0 victory over Leeds United on Sunday, which leaves them in third place in the Premier League table.

The Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, has shown interest in buying Manchester United. He values the club below the Glazer family's £6bn price. There is recognition UEFA may have to agree to a regulation change as the country's ruler already owns Paris Saint-Germain.

The Emir purchased PSG in 2011 through Qatar Sports Investment. Current UEFA rules do not allow clubs with the same owners to face each other in one of its competitions. A Qatar-owned United and Qatar-owned PSG cannot compete in a Champions League tie.

The Glazer family put United up for sale in November, potentially bringing an end to its 17-year ownership. The Raine Group of Chelsea is the exclusive financial advisor. They believe £6bn is the right amount for the 20-times champions of England. But the emir believes £4.5bn is a more realistic price.

One of Britain's wealthiest People, Sir Jim Ratcliffe confirmed his company, Ineos was in the race to buy United last month. He is a lifelong United supporter.

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"It's been nearly 18 months since the hugely controversial Saudi takeover of Newcastle United and a Qatari bid for Manchester United would be yet another wake-up call to the Premier League over the need to reform its ownership rules. We're not necessarily opposed to this. Still, the Premier League must urgently strengthen ownership rules to ensure they're human rights-compliant and not an opportunity for more sports washing," - said Peter Frankental, Amnesty UK's economic affairs director.

France Defender Raphael Varane announces his retirement from International Football. He ended his 10 years of a memorable career with France International Football. 29 years old Legendary Defender, Varane has proved himself again & again at the top level of football.

"Representing our beautiful country for a decade has been one of the greatest honours of my life," Varane said in a statement.

"I've been thinking about it for several months and I decided that it was the right time for me to retire from international football."

The Manchester United defender helped France to win the World Cup in 2018. France also reached the final of the World Cup in 2022, where Varane was a key part of the team. Varane has 93 caps after making his debut in 2013. He helped Didier Deschamps's side win the UEFA Nations League in the 2020-21 season.

Varane's decision comes just weeks after France's World Cup-winning goalkeeper and captain, Hugo Lloris, announced his retirement from international football aged 36.

France Manager Didier Deschamps stated, "Raphael called me a few days ago to explain that he wanted to end his international career. He's an intelligent boy who knows how to take the time to think about it and weigh up the pros and cons before deciding"

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"Raphael believes he has reached the end of his adventure with the French team. I've been in a similar situation to him, I understand his arguments and respect his decision.

"As our paths separate, I wanted to salute his honesty, his unfailing commitment to the blue jersey. Raphael has played a central role on and off the field for the past decade."

Varane has struggled with injury in recent seasons and his retirement from international football allows him to prioritize Manchester United. The decision will also allow him to spend more time with his family and his two young children.