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Expectations for the ‘World Cup’ in Qatar

For the first time, the World Cup will be held from Nov. 20 to Dec. 18 to protect players and attendees from dehydration. 32 nations are taking the biggest stage in soccer.

It is possibly the last time anyone will get to see big names such as Argentina forward Lionel Messi, Mexico goalie Guillermo Ochoa and Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo at the international level.It is an entertaining set of group matches. The World Cup is broken into the Group Stage, Round of 16, Quarterfinals, Semi-Finals then the Final match Dec. 18.

It is hard to determine what teams are powerhouses, especially when most nations have not released their roster.