World Cup Qatar 2022 betting: Argentina and Brazil showing the way

How the World Cup 2022 betting markets have changed following the latest round of matches in the Uefa Nations League

There is a saying in the theatre that a bad dress rehearsal will lead to a good performance, and there is little doubt Europe's elite will have to get their house in order if they are not going to fluff their lines at the World Cup.

With less than two months until the Qatar extravaganza, there are questions to be answered for all the leading European teams who are prominent in the market to win international football's biggest prize.

Holders France, who are 6-1 to retain the crown they won in Russia four years ago, are left scratching their heads after narrowly missing relegation from their Nations League group when they lost 2-0 in Denmark on Sunday.

That's just one win in their last six matches for Les Bleus and the situation is even worse for the second European team in the market, England, who have not won any of their last six fixtures, and were relegated.

Defensive issues were there for all to see in their 3-3 draw with Germany on Monday, but Hansi Flick's side are also plodding towards the finals, winning one of their last five matches and suffering a 1-0 defeat to Hungary on Friday, a team who were unable to book their place at the World Cup.

Spain grabbed a late winner against Portugal to book their place in the summer's Nations League finals, but that came just a few days after a 2-1 loss to Switzerland in Zaragoza, so the continent's leading lights definitely have something to prove.

Their preparations are in marked contrast to those of South America's two biggest challengers.

Favourites Brazil eased past Tunisia (5-1) and Ghana (3-0) - both of whom have booked their place among the 32 World-Cup challengers - and Tottenham's Richarlison scored three goals in those matches for Tite's team, who have not lost in 15 matches, scoring at least three goals in five of their last six outings.

Brazil are 9-2 favourites to win a sixth crown, while Argentina are progressing nicely as Lionel Messi scored a brace in both of their 3-0 wins over Jamaica and Honduras.

They were 12-1 to win a third World Cup with Hills on April 1 but they are now no bigger than 7-1.

The Netherlands are one European team who have impressed and they have been backed into 12-1 from the 20-1 they were in January 21.

They are joint favourites for the Nations League at 9-4 with Spain, while Italy are 3-1 and Croatia are available at 5-1.

The venue of June's semi-finals and final will be confirmed in the new year.

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