Your guide to the best World Cup 2022 tournament dark horses

There's a clear big nine heading to the World Cup, ranging from favourites Brazil to 16-1 shots Portugal and Belgium.

We should make sure that none of them are referred to as dark horses. Brazil, Argentina, France, England, Spain, Germany, Netherlands, Portugal and Belgium look clear of the rest, as is highlighted by the fact it is 33-1 bar the big nine in the betting.

But that's not to say the outsiders should be dismissed out of hand and here's your guide to the proper dark horses:

Denmark 33-1

What's not to like about a bit of Danish delight? They reached the semi-finals of last year's Euros and were only beaten at Wembley by a controversial penalty against England in extra-time.

That alone suggests Denmark are dangerous and that was without Christian Eriksen.

They are strong defensively with Joachim Andersen, Simon Kjaer and Andreas Christensen in front of Kasper Schmeichel, and Denmark won't fear group rivals France having beaten them home and away this year.

Croatia 50-1

It's hard to know the value of Nations League form, however, the fact Croatia came out on top of the group including France and Denmark must be a positive.

At least it would suggest the 2018 runners-up, who were 33-1 four years ago, are still a force. At the Euros they went out to Spain, but only in extra-time.

Many of the old guard, headed by Luka Modric, remain but it's not all about the Real Madrid midfield maestro.

Mateo Kovacic and Marcelo Brozovic are genuine class acts alongside Modric, and Josko Gvardiol could easily become the world's most expensive defender when he eventually leaves Leipzig.

It is probably going to be Spain or Germany in the last 16 which isn't ideal but is factored into the price.

Uruguay 50-1

The draw looks set to be even harder for Uruguay - Brazil are seeded to be waiting for them in the last 16 if they can't secure top spot from Portugal - but it is still worth discussing the South Americans.

Real Madrid's Federico Valverde has been one of the best players in Europe this season, while Edinson Cavani and Darwin Nunez are at different stages of their careers but both capable of getting hot in front of goal.

Switzerland 100-1

Brazil probably go through from Group G and Cameroon should finish bottom which leaves only one spot for Serbia or Switzerland.

Serbia have Aleksandar Mitrovic and Dusan Vlahovic up front plus Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and Dusan Tadic to create, while the Swiss are less flashy but definitely more efficient which tends to work best in tournament football.

Switzerland eliminated France at the Euros and only lost at the quarter-final stage to Spain on penalties. They have since beaten La Roja, Portugal and Italy in competitive fixtures.

Ecuador 200-1

Senegal are seen as the second-best team in Group A behind the Dutch, however, that does a disservice to Ecuador.

Big things are happening at youth level in Ecuador and Brighton's Moises Caicedo won't be the only talent off the Independiente del Valle conveyor belt as third place for Ecuador at the 2019 U20 World Cup highlighted.

Independiente del Valle are punching above their weight in Conmebol's top club competitions and it's all been achieved by focusing on young potential thanks to the support of Michel Deller.

One of the richest men in South America, Deller has ownership of the KFC franchise in Ecuador and as well as having fingers which are lickin' good, his hand prints are also all over the national team.

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