{"id":2781,"date":"2022-11-18T16:06:36","date_gmt":"2022-11-18T16:06:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.icons.com\/news\/?p=2781"},"modified":"2022-11-18T18:12:05","modified_gmt":"2022-11-18T18:12:05","slug":"we-predict-the-2022-fifa-world-cup-qatar","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.icons.com\/news\/2022\/11\/18\/we-predict-the-2022-fifa-world-cup-qatar\/","title":{"rendered":"We Predict… The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022\u2122"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

‘Like Christmas for football fans’. This year, that oft-used description of the FIFA World Cup<\/a> is as apt as it’s ever likely to get as, for the first time in its glittering history, we head for a winter tournament in the desert dunes of Qatar.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

It will surely feel a little strange to have the world’s biggest and most iconic football competition take place in November and December. But a FIFA World Cup is a FIFA World Cup. You won’t catch any of us complaining when the month-long festival of football finally gets underway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Especially because there’s simply too much to look ahead to. This may very well be one of the last FIFA World Cup appearances for the likes of Lionel Messi<\/a> and Cristiano Ronaldo<\/a>. But certainly not the last for Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr<\/a>, Pedri<\/a>, Phil Foden<\/a> and other mercurial young talents. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Indeed, Qatar will play host to a heady mix of superstars all chasing the same thing \u2013 the ultimate glory some might say \u2013 the prize every footballer wants to win. For some, their legacy may depend on winning it. For others, the chance to lace up for a FIFA World Cup is a prize itself worth savouring. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But who’ll take the top honours? And who’s about to breakout on the biggest stage? Well, that’s where our staff come in… sort of. Here are our predictions…<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But first! You’ll want to check out our incredible collection of official FIFA World Cup memorabilia<\/a> comprising signed and unsigned items from stars past and present \u2013 available right now on Icons.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Argentina are well-fancied with their talisman’s name on many people’s lips<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Dan Jamieson, CEO<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

Winners:<\/strong> I think ARGENTINA<\/a> have a good mix of youth and veteran talent, tournament-winning experience at the most recent Copa America, and a certain Mr Messi to pull the strings while others doing the running.
Runner-up: <\/strong>Can you imagine the hype before a Ronaldo v Messi final? Though I think its actually PORTUGAL<\/a>‘s supporting cast who will take centre stage as the tournament goes on.
Surprise Package:<\/strong> With Luis Suarez and Darwin Nunez up top, URUGUAY guarantee action, controversy and no defender knowing what the hell is coming next.
Surprise Early Exit:\u00a0<\/strong>SPAIN<\/a> find themselves in a tough group and lack the goals to get them out of sticky situations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Golden Ball<\/strong>: I’ve got Argentina as my favourites and I think lots of games could come down to penalties. With that in mind, I’m going with EMI MARTINEZ who, don’t forget, won the Golden Glove at the Copa America.
Young Player of the Tournament:<\/strong> Remember the name: Argentina’s ENZO FERNANDEZ. He’ll be coming to a Premier League team soon…
Golden Boot<\/strong>: Strangely both overrated and underrated, we are big fans of JOAO FELIX<\/a> at Icons and hope he can emerge from CR7’s shadow.
Golden Glove<\/strong>: See above: EMI MARTINEZ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

England will\u2026<\/strong> do as their ranking suggests. We’re fifth in the world so we’ll give it all we’ve got and come close to winning a quarter-final, taking the lead but losing on penalties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bold prediction:<\/strong> Penalties will decide many of the most crucial matches as teams conserve energy, keep men behind the ball and take their chances in the lottery that is the shootout.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Brazil are the bookmakers’ favourites led by a stellar cast of attacking talent<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Ben Soley, Head of Sales<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

Winners:<\/strong> As well as a typically star-studded strikeforce featuring Neymar Jr, Vinicius Jnr, Richarlison and Raphinha, this BRAZIL<\/a> team also has a strong (albeit ageing) defence and midfield spine.
Runner-up: <\/strong>BELGIUM’s next generation is already coming through (I\u2019m looking at you Charles de Ketelaere), and I\u2019m backing the old guard of Thibaut Courtois, Kevin De Bruyne, Eden Hazard and Romelu Lukaku to make the final.
Surprise Package:<\/strong> SERBIA have a sturdy keeper in Vanja Milinkovic-Savic and mainstay midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic (no relation) but it\u2019s their front-line which is really noteworthy. Dusan Vlahovic and Aleksandar Mitrovic are amongst the most feared goal scorers in their respective leagues.
Surprise Early Exit:\u00a0<\/strong>Four of the last five defending champions haven\u2019t got past the group stages. The holders never do well. It seems wild to suggest, but\u00a0FRANCE\u00a0will sorely miss Paul Pogba and N’golo Kante, heading home before the end of the quarter-finals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Golden Ball<\/strong>: LIONEL MESSI<\/a>\u00a0is in great form and it\u2019s his last FIFA World Cup tournament\u00a0\u2013 surely the stage is set for a fairytale goodbye?
Young Player of the Tournament:<\/strong> PEDRI<\/a>.\u00a0<\/strong>This kid is the real deal. I saw him live recently and he blew my mind.
Golden Boot<\/strong>: MEMPHIS DEPAY<\/a> <\/strong>does not have the easiest of groups but I expect the Netherlands’ record-scorer to play at least four games and take penalties.
Golden Glove<\/strong>: EDOUARD MENDY.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

England will\u2026<\/strong> go out in the quarter-finals in return to form for FIFA\u2019s fifth-best ranked team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bold prediction(s):<\/strong> A meagre three goals will be scored across both semi-finals, as the long season and high stakes force teams to play it safe. Penalties will decide at least one of those semi-finals. Mitrovic will get more goals than cards when he plays. Achraf Hakimi will score a Goal of the Tournament-worthy screamer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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As defending world champions, close attention will be paid to Kylian Mbappe’s France<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Mike Davis, <\/strong>Financial Director<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

Winners:<\/strong> ARGENTINA<\/a>. I think the Messi Factor will be too strong for the rest of the field to counter.
Runner-up: <\/strong>Messi will face Cristiano Ronaldo and PORTUGAL<\/a> in a superstar final.
Surprise Package:<\/strong> URUGUAY will cause a stir.
Surprise Early Exit:\u00a0<\/strong>I think FRANCE’s individuals will fail to click in defence of their title.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Golden Ball<\/strong>: BRUNO GUIMARAES
Young Player of the Tournament:<\/strong> AURELIEN TCHOUAMENI
Golden Boot<\/strong>: LIONEL MESSI<\/a>
Golden Glove<\/strong>: ALISSON BECKER<\/p>\n\n\n\n

England will\u2026<\/strong> fail to inspire and exit at the quarter-final stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bold prediction:<\/strong> Germany will fail to qualify from their group.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Few teams possess a midfield talent like Kevin De Bruyne \u2013 could Belgium be dark horses?<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Alistair Hunter, Senior Editor<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

Winners:<\/strong> Never before has a FIFA World Cup been played at this time of year, throwing a lot of the usual prep work to the wall. Given the unusual build-up and the fact we’re due an underdog winner, I’m going with BELGIUM.
Runner-up: <\/strong>You’ll struggle to find a bigger Lionel Messi fan than I so it will be difficult for me when ARGENTINA<\/a> come one shy again.
Surprise Package:<\/strong> I believe… I believe that… I believe the USMNT<\/a> will go on a superb run to the quarter-finals \u2013 just in time to inspire a new generation of fans ahead of their hosting duties at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Surprise Early Exit:\u00a0<\/strong>FRANCE are the world champions at doing exceptionally well at one FIFA World Cup then crashing out amid scandal and controversy at the next. Plus \u00e7a change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Golden Ball<\/strong>: Competition officials won’t be able to resist the chance to hand LIONEL MESSI<\/a> another award. Anything for a photo with the great one.
Young Player of the Tournament:<\/strong> FC Barcelona midfielder PEDRI<\/a> is primed to take the next step into superstardom.
Golden Boot<\/strong>: Given the scoring opportunities England’s group present, HARRY KANE must have the best shot (pun fully intended).
Golden Glove<\/strong>: There’s no better name \u2013 nor better fairytale story \u2013 than that of REMKO PASVEER. Is it possible to be a rising star at 39-years-old? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

England will\u2026<\/strong> advance through to the latter stages of this tournament in miraculous fashion. A semi-final loss to Belgium will be reminiscent of their deep run at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bold prediction(s):<\/strong> A VAR-related scandal will suspend a knockout game for long enough that the players temporarily leave for the dressing rooms while officials frantically try to resolve the situation. In search of a dramatic late equaliser, a goalkeeper will hit the post.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Boasting a plethora of young talent, Spain are likely to be contenders for the world title<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

David Cox, <\/strong>Head of Operations<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

Winners:<\/strong> SPAIN<\/a> have an all-round solid team with a plethora\u00a0of up-and-coming stars. Look out for Gavi at this tournament!
Runner-up: <\/strong>Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema will lead FRANCE to a second consecutive final.
Surprise Package:<\/strong> DENMARK always seem to show up when it comes to tournament football.
Surprise Early Exit:\u00a0<\/strong>Cristiano Ronaldo’s recent interview will have an effect across the whole\u00a0of PORTUGAL<\/a>‘s camp.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Golden Ball<\/strong>: I may be slightly biased but no-one can pass a ball like KEVIN DE BRUYNE<\/a>.
Young Player of the Tournament:<\/strong> GAVI is going to be one of the world’s best.
Golden Boot<\/strong>: KARIM BENZEMA<\/a>. Unplayable on his day.
Golden Glove<\/strong>: Ederson won’t be first choice (who knows why?!)\u00a0so best go for Brazil’s second choice, ALISSON BECKER.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

England will\u2026<\/strong> reach the quarter-finals and crumble. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bold prediction:<\/strong> More than one bicycle kick will be scored at the tournament.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
No FIFA World Cup can be complete without Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Jamie White, Digital Content Producer<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

Winners:<\/strong> I think this FIFA World Cup is catered for a South American winner. For me, BRAZIL<\/a> have the strongest squad and have the best chance in the hot conditions.
Runner-up: <\/strong>I just did a tournament predictor and my second favourite, Argentina, will meet Brazil in the semi-finals while on the other side of the draw I fancy PORTUGAL<\/a> to make the final.
Surprise Package:<\/strong> SENEGAL. I fancy an African team to become the tournament’s surprise\u00a0package.
Surprise Early Exit:\u00a0<\/strong>SPAIN<\/a> or GERMANY<\/a> have a tough group with Japan \u2013 I feel like there could be a surprise\u00a0casualty there!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Golden Ball<\/strong>: After our recent signing session with LIONEL MESSI<\/a>, word has it he is fully focused on the FIFA World Cup and with his form going into Qatar I fancy him to have a great tournament.
Young Player of the Tournament:<\/strong> I think JUDE BELLINGHAM will be a stand-out player for England, or if Germany do well, I fancy Jamal Musiala to shine as one of the competition’s best players.
Golden Boot<\/strong>: LIONEL MESSI<\/a>, closely followed by Darwin Nunez or Vinicius Jr.
Golden Glove<\/strong>: ALISSON BECKER is the best keeper in the world in the best team at the tournament.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

England will\u2026<\/strong> go out in the quarter-finals. The Three Lions will beat Iran comfortably in the opening game, then make difficult work of both the USA and Wales in the groups.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bold prediction:<\/strong> Japan to knock out a heavy-hitter in Spain or Germany.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Uruguay’s Luis Suarez is one of many icons likely playing in their last FIFA World Cup <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Ryan Butterworth, Head of Video Content<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

Winners:<\/strong> ARGENTINA<\/a>‘s form over the last few years has been great. With their team and, of course, Lionel Messi, I think they will just edge the tournament.
Runner-up: <\/strong>I think we will see a PORTUGAL<\/a> vs Argentina final \u2013 the battle of the GOATs! It\u2019s a match made in heaven and could be the final decider between two greats. Portugal look very strong all over the pitch.\u00a0
Surprise Package:<\/strong> URUGUAY are a solid team across the pitch. I think they have been underestimated and may shock the world.
Surprise Early Exit:\u00a0<\/strong>FRANCE. I think the FIFA World Cup curse will be back. We have seen it previously and, in most tournaments, a big team falls early.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Golden Ball<\/strong>: BERNARDO SILVA<\/a>
Young Player of the Tournament:<\/strong> VINICIUS JR<\/a>
Golden Boot<\/strong>: DARWIN NUNEZ<\/a>
Golden Glove<\/strong>: EMI MARTINEZ<\/p>\n\n\n\n

England will\u2026<\/strong> make it to the quarter finals. I think we will give it everything but fall just short with a 1-0 or 2-1 defeat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bold prediction:<\/strong> Japan shock the competition and top their group!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Argentina goalkeeper Emi Martinez is among the frontrunners for FIFA’s Golden Glove award<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Dan Rushton, Customer Support<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

Winners:<\/strong> ARGENTINA<\/a> haven’t been beaten in 35 games and I can’t see any team at these FIFA World Cup finals that can break that streak. Lionel Messi is\u00a0going to lead his nation\u00a0to their third world title.
Runner-up: <\/strong>Holders FRANCE are still more than capable of winning it with the likes of Karim Benzema, Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele but may fall at the final hurdle.
Surprise Package:<\/strong> MOROCCO have one of the best right-backs in the world in Achraf Hakimi and if Hakim Ziyech is in form they could be the team to watch.
Surprise Early Exit:\u00a0<\/strong>It’s bold but I’m thinking GERMANY<\/a>. They have a tough group!\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Golden Ball<\/strong>: I just have a feeling that LIONEL MESSI<\/a> going to smash it this year. His club form is improving, which will only benefit Argentina.\u00a0\u00a0
Young Player of the Tournament:<\/strong> I can’t name a better young midfielder at the tournament than JUDE BELLINGHAM. This is a massive year for Jude and I think he’ll carry on impressing on the biggest stage.
Golden Boot<\/strong>: KARIM BENZEMA<\/a> will bag plenty of goals in the group stage and early knockout stages.
Golden Glove<\/strong>: I think\u00a0<\/strong>Portugal will have a tough time defensively and I think DIOGO COSTA will be called upon a lot \u2013 he will have to make some huge saves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

England will\u2026<\/strong> be passionate… but the football will be bland. They’ll get to the quarter-finals and get knocked out by stronger opposition. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bold prediction:<\/strong> Cristiano Ronaldo will be hungry for success \u2013 he’ll be back. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
England star Jude Bellingham is expected to catch the eye for Gareth Southgate’s men<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Will Franklin, <\/strong>Sales Executive<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

Winners:<\/strong> I see ARGENTINA<\/a> winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Lionel Messi will lift the trophy to complete a phenomenal career.\u00a0
Runner-up: <\/strong>The final will be an all-South American affair with Argentina coming out on top of BRAZIL<\/a>.\u00a0
Surprise Package:<\/strong> I believe SWITZERLAND will have another great tournament.\u00a0
Surprise Early Exit:\u00a0<\/strong>2014 winners GERMANY<\/a> will struggle at this year’s tournament.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Golden Ball<\/strong>: LIONEL MESSI<\/a>
Young Player of the Tournament:<\/strong> JUDE BELLINGHAM
Golden Boot<\/strong>: KYLIAN MBAPPE
Golden Glove<\/strong>: Aston Villa’s number one,\u00a0EMILIANO MARTINEZ<\/p>\n\n\n\n

England will\u2026<\/strong> have a solid tournament, hopefully. That said, I can’t help but think we’ll be too defensive in the big games.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bold prediction:<\/strong> Spain have a great young squad \u2013 I think they’ll reach the semi-finals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Doha’s Lusail Stadium will play host to a highly-anticipated final on December 18th<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Dan Hunt, <\/strong>Accounts Assistant<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

Winners:<\/strong> I think ARGENTINA<\/a> will win. They haven\u2019t lost a game for three years and Messi will triumph at the final FIFA World Cup he plays in.
Runner-up: <\/strong>If PORTUGAL<\/a> win their group I think they will lose in the final.
Surprise Package:<\/strong> URUGUAY have a good squad and have a chance to go a long way in this tournament \u2013 maybe even win it.
Surprise Early Exit:\u00a0<\/strong>FRANCE have been struggling recently in the UEFA Nations League so their FIFA World Cup curse may continue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Golden Ball<\/strong>: LIONEL MESSI<\/a>
Young Player of the Tournament:<\/strong> PEDRI<\/a>
Golden Boot<\/strong>: LIONEL MESSI<\/a>
Golden Glove<\/strong>: EMI MARTINEZ<\/p>\n\n\n\n

England will\u2026<\/strong> bottle it, as usual, and lose in the quarter-finals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bold prediction:<\/strong> Japan will eliminate either Spain or Germany in their group.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

‘Like Christmas for football fans’. This year, that oft-used description of the FIFA World Cup is as apt as it’s ever likely to get as, for the first time in its glittering history, we head for a winter tournament in the desert dunes of Qatar. It will surely feel a little strange to have the… <\/p>\n

Read More<\/i><\/a><\/div>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[329],"tags":[519,526,26,320,9,154,517,501,146,275,401,400,356,413,22,495,98,521,128,336,520,12,523,36,525],"class_list":["post-2781","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-previews-and-predictions","tag-2022-fifa-world-cup","tag-alisson-becker","tag-argentina","tag-belgium","tag-brazil","tag-cristiano-ronaldo","tag-croatia","tag-denmark","tag-england","tag-fifa-world-cup","tag-france","tag-germany","tag-harry-kane","tag-kylian-mbappe","tag-lionel-messi","tag-netherlands","tag-neymar-jr","tag-poland","tag-portugal","tag-predictions","tag-senegal","tag-spain","tag-switzerland","tag-uruguay","tag-usmnt"],"aioseo_notices":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/pfQcey-IR","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":2773,"url":"https:\/\/www.icons.com\/news\/2022\/11\/09\/another-signing-with-lionel-messi\/","url_meta":{"origin":2781,"position":0},"title":"Another Signing with Lionel Messi!","author":"Dan Rushton","date":"November 9, 2022","format":false,"excerpt":"Argentina megastar and global icon Lionel Messi once again put pen to product for Icons.com at his fourth and final signing of 2022. With the signing done, the legendary forward's sights will now be firmly set on the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. The official signing took place in\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Signing Sessions"","block_context":{"text":"Signing Sessions","link":"https:\/\/www.icons.com\/news\/category\/signing-sessions\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/icons.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Messi-signing-photo-18-1.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/icons.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Messi-signing-photo-18-1.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/icons.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Messi-signing-photo-18-1.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":2802,"url":"https:\/\/www.icons.com\/news\/2022\/11\/18\/from-our-ceo-welcome-to-the-fifa-world-cup\/","url_meta":{"origin":2781,"position":1},"title":"From Our CEO: Welcome to the FIFA World Cup","author":"Icons.com","date":"November 18, 2022","format":false,"excerpt":"My earliest memory in life is staying up late to watch the 1978 FIFA World Cup final. I was five-years-old. I can't quite recall exactly what happened but I do remember a man in orange leaping like a salmon to smash home a header. 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The Icons signing team held a private session with Martinez in England's city of Birmingham on March 7th. The Argentina and\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Signing Sessions"","block_context":{"text":"Signing Sessions","link":"https:\/\/www.icons.com\/news\/category\/signing-sessions\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/icons.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Emi-Martinez-Icons-Board-blog.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/icons.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Emi-Martinez-Icons-Board-blog.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/icons.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Emi-Martinez-Icons-Board-blog.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/icons.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Emi-Martinez-Icons-Board-blog.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":138,"url":"https:\/\/www.icons.com\/news\/2014\/05\/02\/why-we-love-brazils-1970-fifa-world-cup-squad-the-greatest-team-ever\/","url_meta":{"origin":2781,"position":3},"title":"Why We Love Brazil’s 1970 FIFA World Cup Squad, The Greatest Team Ever","author":"Icons.com","date":"May 2, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"It is the good old Friday afternoon discussion in the pub: what has been the greatest football team ever? We are giving you 5 reasons what made the 1970 FIFA World Cup\u2122 Brazil team so special. #1: Revenge for 1966\u00a0FIFA World Cup\u2122\u00a0 The 1966 FIFA World Cup\u2122 had been a\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Why We Love"","block_context":{"text":"Why We Love","link":"https:\/\/www.icons.com\/news\/category\/why-we-love\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"1970-World-Cup-Brazil-squad-is-the-greatest-team-of-all-time","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.icons.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/1970-World-Cup-Brazil-squad-is-the-greatest-team-of-all-time.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.icons.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/1970-World-Cup-Brazil-squad-is-the-greatest-team-of-all-time.jpg?resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.icons.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/1970-World-Cup-Brazil-squad-is-the-greatest-team-of-all-time.jpg?resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":2859,"url":"https:\/\/www.icons.com\/news\/2023\/01\/30\/our-first-official-messi-signing-of-2023\/","url_meta":{"origin":2781,"position":4},"title":"Our First Official Messi Signing Of 2023!","author":"Icons.com","date":"January 30, 2023","format":false,"excerpt":"For the first time since he and his Argentina compatriots won the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, Lionel Messi met with our team to put pen to product at a private and exclusive signing session in Paris. The official signing took place on January 30th and presented our team\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Signing Sessions"","block_context":{"text":"Signing Sessions","link":"https:\/\/www.icons.com\/news\/category\/signing-sessions\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/icons.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Lionel-Messi-Behind-The-Signing-1-min-1.png?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/icons.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Lionel-Messi-Behind-The-Signing-1-min-1.png?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/icons.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Lionel-Messi-Behind-The-Signing-1-min-1.png?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/icons.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Lionel-Messi-Behind-The-Signing-1-min-1.png?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/icons.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Lionel-Messi-Behind-The-Signing-1-min-1.png?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/icons.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Lionel-Messi-Behind-The-Signing-1-min-1.png?resize=1400%2C800&ssl=1 4x"},"classes":[]},{"id":104,"url":"https:\/\/www.icons.com\/news\/2014\/06\/12\/we-predict-the-2014-fifa-world-cup\/","url_meta":{"origin":2781,"position":5},"title":"We Predict… The 2014 FIFA World Cup","author":"Icons.com","date":"June 12, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"It's that time again. Who is going to win the World Cup? Who is going to score for fun? Will there be suprises and disappointments?\u00a0Here are the Icons team's expectations for the World Cup in Brazil. Dan Jamieson, Managing Director World Cup winners: Germany Runner-ups: Argentina Top goal scorer:\u00a0Sergio Aguero\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Previews and Predictions"","block_context":{"text":"Previews and Predictions","link":"https:\/\/www.icons.com\/news\/category\/previews-and-predictions\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.icons.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2781","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.icons.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.icons.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.icons.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.icons.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2781"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/www.icons.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2781\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2806,"href":"https:\/\/www.icons.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2781\/revisions\/2806"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.icons.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2781"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.icons.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2781"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.icons.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2781"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}