BLOG
SITA'S B2C TEAM PREDICTS THE 2022 WORLD CUP!
Read on for our full predictions, favourite memories and thoughts on the first winter World Cup…
BRAZIL 50%
TO WIN
DECEMBER 2022
With the World Cup just days away, SITA’s B2C team have had a stab at how they think the tournament will pan out, including picking their overall winners, how far England will get in Qatar and who will finish as top scorer.
WORLD CUP OVERVIEW
ACCOUNT DIRECTOR
Tom Sweetman
Winner? Brazil. The attacking talent at their disposal is frightening and they look to have a well-rounded squad with plenty of depth that is strong enough to win a World Cup for the first time in 20 years.
How far will England get? Semi-finals. A semi-final at the World Cup four years ago, a final at Euro 2020 last year – all signs would suggest England can go one better and lift the trophy in Qatar. But with some poor results in recent months and Gareth Southgate having a number of defensive headaches, they’ll crash out at the last four.
Who do you see being the surprise package of the tournament? Senegal. Watch this space…
Who is your pick for the Golden Boot winner? Harry Kane. He won it in 2018 and he’s a far better striker four years later than he was back then. A decent run in the tournament from England will give him more than enough opportunities to rack up some goals.
Favourite World Cup moment? Michael Owen’s solo goal v Argentina… Before David Beckham flicked a boot.
Where will you watch most of the World Cup? Thanks to plenty of early kick-offs – the office. Followed by a mad dash to the pub.
A winter World Cup – thoughts…? Never again. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
ACCOUNT DIRECTOR
Tom Marriott
Winner? Brazil. Who else?
How far will England get? KO’d in the last 16 unfortunately. A retreat back to familiar surroundings.
Who do you see being the surprise package of the tournament? Morocco.
Who is your pick for the Golden Boot winner? Neymar.
Favourite World Cup moment? Michael Owen’s goal v Argentina in 1998, but it all ended in tears.
Where will you watch most of the World Cup? In the pub.
A winter World Cup – thoughts…? Good idea, but not good for European sides. Too many mid-season fatigue/injury concerns.
SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGER
Charlie Robertson
Winner? Argentina – Messi and his final World Cup, it’s written in the stars isn’t it?
How far will England get? Quarter-finals. We’re not very good, sorry.
Who do you see being the surprise package of the tournament? Portugal. Ronaldo controversy aside, this is a team with a lot of talent.
Who is your pick for the Golden Boot winner? Karim Benzema. The best player in the world over the past 12 months and he will show that on the world stage.
Favourite World Cup moment? Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s semi-final screamer in 2010.
Where will you watch most of the World Cup? Wherever I can!
A winter World Cup – thoughts…? Not a fan – disrupts the Premier League season (though that means I don’t have to suffer with Liverpool for a bit!) and the temperature in Qatar will favour South American teams.
SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
Ed Culham
Winner? France. Despite their injury troubles they still have a dangerous squad, particularly in attack with Mbappe and Benzema, and won’t give up their World Cup easily.
How far will England get? Quarter-finals. I think that we might come unstuck against the better sides.
Who do you see being the surprise package of the tournament? Wales. I can see them qualifying from the group, which would be a great moment.
Who is your pick for the Golden Boot winner? Karim Benzema. He proved in last season’s Champions League that there’s no one better at scoring crucial goals and there’s no reason why he can’t do the same in Qatar.
Favourite World Cup moment? David Beckham’s penalty to beat Argentina in 2002.
Where will you watch most of the World Cup? An old armchair.
A winter World Cup – thoughts…? Worth trying. We’re only in the habit of summer World Cups, so I think it’ll be much the same once the tournament starts. We’ll see if there’s any lasting impact on the players and major leagues.
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
Kitty Waddell
Winner? England, obviously!
How far will England get? The very end!
Who do you see being the surprise package of the tournament? Wales.
Who is your pick for the Golden Boot winner? Harry Kane.
Favourite World Cup moment? Not being an avid football fan, I’d say a moment when England scored and everyone went wild. Probably penalties against Colombia in 2018.
Where will you watch most of the World Cup? Instagram Reels, probably.
A winter World Cup – thoughts…? A nice winter sun opportunity.
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
Rory Hemmings
Winner? Argentina. Leo Messi will have his moment in the limelight and top off an amazing career with a fantastic World Cup and winners’ medal.
How far will England get? Final. Taking one of the strongest England squads ever to Qatar, combined with the now experienced manager, England will overcome almost everything thrown their way with their midfield and attacking talent and unrivalled strength in depth.
Who do you see being the surprise package of the tournament? Denmark. One of the best sides at Euro 2020, Denmark have a tough squad of hardy defenders and clever forwards.
Who is your pick for the Golden Boot winner? Phil Foden. England’s brightest talent will explode onto the international scene with a series of dominant displays, outscoring even the mighty Harry Kane.
Favourite World Cup moment? Beating Colombia on penalties in the round of 16 in 2018.
Where will you watch most of the World Cup? In the pub or in fan zones, almost certainly with a beer in hand.
A winter World Cup – thoughts…? No problem with the time of year but the players' jam-packed schedules and added potential for injuries should have been considered.
JUNIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
Charles Orchard
Winner? Brazil. Their squad is just too strong. They’ve just got quality players in all areas of the pitch who are also coming into good form at the right time – Neymar, Jesus, Silva, Bruno Guimarães – there’s a real belief that hasn’t been there in previous tournaments.
How far will England get? Quarter-finals. They’ll get out of the group no problem, then should have too much against whoever from Group A, but a potential match-up against France or Argentina will probably be a bridge too far.
Who do you see being the surprise package of the tournament? Turkey (!) or Senegal. Senegal were dealt a big blow with the injury news to Mane, but they’re still a good team with a lot of Premier League talent. Having won AFCON in January there will be a winning mentality installed in a squad of players that have already won Premier Leagues, Champions Leagues and Serie A titles. That could be a potent combination.
Who is your pick for the Golden Boot winner? Kylian Mbappe just looks imperious at the moment and is probably having the best scoring run of his career. I doubt France will make it past the semi-finals, but that’s still seven-ish games for him to pile in the goals.
Favourite World Cup moment? England’s penalty shootout win v Colombia in 2018.
Where will you watch most of the World Cup? In the pub.
A winter World Cup – thoughts…? Not pleasant and it certainly won’t have the same feel to it, but people will forget about it after a few games. If England reach the final, then that fortnight preceding Christmas Day could be very special.
JUNIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
Sam Scott
Winner? Brazil. They have the best record of any team in the World Cup, and this year’s tournament seems like a real chance for the five-time winners to make it six.
How far will England get? Quarter-finals. I’m excited for England’s prospects after the Euros, but feel like we will sell ourselves short on the big stage. I hope we make it further than my prediction though!
Who do you see being the surprise package of the tournament? Belgium. They should win their group, and it seems likely they will make it to at least the semis. I wouldn’t be shocked if they’re in the final.
Who is your pick for the Golden Boot winner? Kylian Mbappe. He has scored 19 goals in 20 appearances for PSG so far this season, and I think he can do even better for his nation in Qatar.
Favourite World Cup moment? England winning the penalty shootout v Colombia in the round of 16 in 2018.
Where will you watch most of the World Cup? On the sofa.
A winter World Cup – thoughts…? Very excited for a winter World Cup and glad the players and fans won’t be overheating!
WORLD CUP OVERVIEW
ACCOUNT DIRECTOR
Tom Sweetman
Winner? Brazil. The attacking talent at their disposal is frightening and they look to have a well-rounded squad with plenty of depth that is strong enough to win a World Cup for the first time in 20 years.
How far will England get? Semi-finals. A semi-final at the World Cup four years ago, a final at Euro 2020 last year – all signs would suggest England can go one better and lift the trophy in Qatar. But with some poor results in recent months and Gareth Southgate having a number of defensive headaches, they’ll crash out at the last four.
Who do you see being the surprise package of the tournament? Senegal. Watch this space…
Who is your pick for the Golden Boot winner? Harry Kane. He won it in 2018 and he’s a far better striker four years later than he was back then. A decent run in the tournament from England will give him more than enough opportunities to rack up some goals.
Favourite World Cup moment? Michael Owen’s solo goal v Argentina… Before David Beckham flicked a boot.
Where will you watch most of the World Cup? Thanks to plenty of early kick-offs – the office. Followed by a mad dash to the pub.
A winter World Cup – thoughts…? Never again. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGER
Charlie Robertson
Winner? Argentina – Messi and his final World Cup, it’s written in the stars isn’t it?
How far will England get? Quarter-finals. We’re not very good, sorry.
Who do you see being the surprise package of the tournament? Portugal. Ronaldo controversy aside, this is a team with a lot of talent.
Who is your pick for the Golden Boot winner? Karim Benzema. The best player in the world over the past 12 months and he will show that on the world stage.
Favourite World Cup moment? Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s semi-final screamer in 2010.
Where will you watch most of the World Cup? Wherever I can!
A winter World Cup – thoughts…? Not a fan – disrupts the Premier League season (though that means I don’t have to suffer with Liverpool for a bit!) and the temperature in Qatar will favour South American teams.
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
Kitty Waddell
Winner? England, obviously!
How far will England get? The very end!
Who do you see being the surprise package of the tournament? Wales.
Who is your pick for the Golden Boot winner? Harry Kane.
Favourite World Cup moment? Not being an avid football fan, I’d say a moment when England scored and everyone went wild. Probably penalties against Colombia in 2018.
Where will you watch most of the World Cup? Instagram Reels, probably.
A winter World Cup – thoughts…? A nice winter sun opportunity.
JUNIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
Charles Orchard
Winner? Brazil. Their squad is just too strong. They’ve just got quality players in all areas of the pitch who are also coming into good form at the right time – Neymar, Jesus, Silva, Bruno Guimarães – there’s a real belief that hasn’t been there in previous tournaments.
How far will England get? Quarter-finals. They’ll get out of the group no problem, then should have too much against whoever from Group A, but a potential match-up against France or Argentina will probably be a bridge too far.
Who do you see being the surprise package of the tournament? Turkey (!) or Senegal. Senegal were dealt a big blow with the injury news to Mane, but they’re still a good team with a lot of Premier League talent. Having won AFCON in January there will be a winning mentality installed in a squad of players that have already won Premier Leagues, Champions Leagues and Serie A titles. That could be a potent combination.
Who is your pick for the Golden Boot winner? Kylian Mbappe just looks imperious at the moment and is probably having the best scoring run of his career. I doubt France will make it past the semi-finals, but that’s still seven-ish games for him to pile in the goals.
Favourite World Cup moment? England’s penalty shootout win v Colombia in 2018.
Where will you watch most of the World Cup? In the pub.
A winter World Cup – thoughts…? Not pleasant and it certainly won’t have the same feel to it, but people will forget about it after a few games. If England reach the final, then that fortnight preceding Christmas Day could be very special.
ACCOUNT DIRECTOR
Tom Marriott
Winner? Brazil. Who else?
How far will England get? KO’d in the last 16 unfortunately. A retreat back to familiar surroundings.
Who do you see being the surprise package of the tournament? Morocco.
Who is your pick for the Golden Boot winner? Neymar.
Favourite World Cup moment? Michael Owen’s goal v Argentina in 1998, but it all ended in tears.
Where will you watch most of the World Cup? In the pub.
A winter World Cup – thoughts…? Good idea, but not good for European sides. Too many mid-season fatigue/injury concerns.
SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
Ed Culham
Winner? France. Despite their injury troubles they still have a dangerous squad, particularly in attack with Mbappe and Benzema, and won’t give up their World Cup easily.
How far will England get? Quarter-finals. I think that we might come unstuck against the better sides.
Who do you see being the surprise package of the tournament? Wales. I can see them qualifying from the group, which would be a great moment.
Who is your pick for the Golden Boot winner? Karim Benzema. He proved in last season’s Champions League that there’s no one better at scoring crucial goals and there’s no reason why he can’t do the same in Qatar.
Favourite World Cup moment? David Beckham’s penalty to beat Argentina in 2002.
Where will you watch most of the World Cup? An old armchair.
A winter World Cup – thoughts…? Worth trying. We’re only in the habit of summer World Cups, so I think it’ll be much the same once the tournament starts. We’ll see if there’s any lasting impact on the players and major leagues.
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
Rory Hemmings
Winner? Argentina. Leo Messi will have his moment in the limelight and top off an amazing career with a fantastic World Cup and winners’ medal.
How far will England get? Final. Taking one of the strongest England squads ever to Qatar, combined with the now experienced manager, England will overcome almost everything thrown their way with their midfield and attacking talent and unrivalled strength in depth.
Who do you see being the surprise package of the tournament? Denmark. One of the best sides at Euro 2020, Denmark have a tough squad of hardy defenders and clever forwards.
Who is your pick for the Golden Boot winner? Phil Foden. England’s brightest talent will explode onto the international scene with a series of dominant displays, outscoring even the mighty Harry Kane.
Favourite World Cup moment? Beating Colombia on penalties in the round of 16 in 2018.
Where will you watch most of the World Cup? In the pub or in fan zones, almost certainly with a beer in hand.
A winter World Cup – thoughts…? No problem with the time of year but the players' jam-packed schedules and added potential for injuries should have been considered.
JUNIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
Sam Scott
Winner? Brazil. They have the best record of any team in the World Cup, and this year’s tournament seems like a real chance for the five-time winners to make it six.
How far will England get? Quarter-finals. I’m excited for England’s prospects after the Euros, but feel like we will sell ourselves short on the big stage. I hope we make it further than my prediction though!
Who do you see being the surprise package of the tournament? Belgium. They should win their group, and it seems likely they will make it to at least the semis. I wouldn’t be shocked if they’re in the final.
Who is your pick for the Golden Boot winner? Kylian Mbappe. He has scored 19 goals in 20 appearances for PSG so far this season, and I think he can do even better for his nation in Qatar.
Favourite World Cup moment? England winning the penalty shootout v Colombia in the round of 16 in 2018.
Where will you watch most of the World Cup? On the sofa.
A winter World Cup – thoughts…? Very excited for a winter World Cup and glad the players and fans won’t be overheating!