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Portugal’s quest for Cristiano Ronaldo to win his first World Cup trophy continues in Qatar with the European group sitting as favorites in Group H.
Portugal will rely on Ronaldo’s stellar abilities in the final third, but are also strong in several other key areas. Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias and Joao Cancelo are just three of the Premier League’s most talented players on Portugal’s roster while Pepe remains a veteran voice in the back row.
Uruguay has one of the biggest attacking units at the World Cup with veterans Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani battling for chances against Darwin Nunez and Maxi Gomez. There will be leadership in defense and between the posts as Diego Godin and Fernando Muslera return for another title.
South Korea and Ghana will be fighting to cause any kind of upset in Group H, but will also be aiming to knock one out of the other. Tottenham star Son Heung-Min is the main man for South Korea’s attack while Ghana’s Inaki Williams leads the way.
Here’s a closer look at Group G:
Plans
Thursday: Uruguay and South Korea, Portugal and Ghana.
Monday: South Korea against Ghana, Portugal and Uruguay.
December 2: Ghana vs. Uruguay, South Korea vs.
Portugal
GAMES TO WATCH: Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, Joao Cancelo.
TOURNAMENT HISTORY: 2022 will mark Portugal’s sixth consecutive World Cup appearance, with their current best finish coming in 2006.
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ROSTER – Goalkeeper: Diogo Costa, Jose Sa, Rui Patricio.
Protector: Diogo Dalot, Joao Cancelo, Danilo Pereira, Pepe, Ruben Dias, Antonio Silva, Nuno Mendes, Raphael Guerreiro.
Midfielders: Joao Palhinha, Ruben Neves, Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes, Joao Mario, Matheus Nunes, Vitinha, William Carvalho, Otavio.
Forward: Cristiano Ronaldo, Joao Felix, Rafael Leao, Ricardo Horta, Goncalo Ramos, Andre Silva.
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NIR: Group H is Portugal’s to lose, especially with an angry Cristiano Ronaldo attacking them. Ronaldo is returning to the World Cup from his exit at Manchester United and will be eager to return to his best form at international level. Along with Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva will be two dangerous attackers for Portugal. Andre Silva provides a taller, more physical option if Portugal want to keep Ronaldo out.
Pepe’s veteran leadership headlines a future that also includes rising star Ruben Dias and Man City defender Joao Cancelo. Rui Patricio has a total of over 105 caps for his country and will be one of the best goalkeepers to watch in Qatar. Portugal have what it takes to win the group convincingly and make a deep run at the knockout stage, but ultimately it will be up to them to show it.
Uruguay
GAMES TO WATCH: Luis Suarez, Edinson Cavani, Rodrigo Betancur.
TOURNAMENT HISTORY: Uruguay is a two-time World Cup champion, winning the competition in 1930 and 1950. 2022 marks their fourth World Cup qualification since failing to qualify for the tournament in 2006.
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ROSTER – Goalkeeper: Fernando Muslera, Sergio Rochet, Sebastian Sosa.
Protector: Ronald Araujo, Sebastian Coates, Martin Caceres, Guillermo Varela, Matias Vina, Mathias Olivera, Jose Maria Gimenez, Diego Godin, Jose Luis Rodríguez.
Midfielders: Lucas Torreira, Matias Vecino, Rodrigo Bentancur, Manuel Ugarte, Giorgian de Arrascaeta, Nicolas de la Cruz, Federico Valverde, Facundo Pellistri, Agustin Canobbio, Facundo Torres.
Forward: Luis Suarez, Darwin Nunez, Maximiliano Gomez, Edinson Cavani.
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NIR: Uruguay’s dangerous attacking unit combined with veteran leadership in the back line will make them a tough opponent in Group H. Suarez and Cavani are getting old, but can still provide big moments for their country. Darwin Nunez is the future of Uruguay’s attack and could start his future with a strong run in Qatar.
Lucas Torreira and Rodrigo Betancur are the best midfielders in the team, while Diego Godin brings a wealth of international experience. Martin Caceres will partner Godin in defence, with both players amassing more than 100 caps for their country. Fernando Muslera has enjoyed several top performances at the World Cup and will look to add to those with a strong display in goal.
South Korea
GAMES TO WATCH: Son Heung-Min, Hwang Ui-jo, Kim Young-Gwon.
TOURNAMENT HISTORY: South Korea’s best finish in the World Cup was in 2002 when it finished in fourth place. However, South Korea have failed to get out of the group stage in three of their last four World Cup appearances.
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ROSTER – Goalkeeper: Kim Seung-Gyu, Jo Hyeon-Woo, Song Bum-Keun.
Protector: Kim Min-Jae, Kim Young-Gwon, Kwon Kyung-Won, Cho Yu-Min, Kim Moon-Hwan, Yoon Jong-Gyu, Kim Tae-Hwan, Kim Jin-Su, Hong Chul.
Midfielders: Jung Woo-Young, Son Jun-Ho, Paik Seung-Ho, Hwang In-Beom, Lee Jae-Sung, Kwon Chang-Hoon, Jeong Woo-Yeong, Lee Kang-In, Son Heung-Min, Hwang Hee-Chan, No Sang-Ho, Song Min-Kyu.
Forward: Hwang Ui-Jo, Cho Gue-Sung.
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NIR: South Korea have an experienced team that will work together and try to make things difficult for their opponents. Led by Tottenham star Son Heung-Min, South Korea will be disciplined and focus on playing strong defense before beating teams.
Son’s 35 international goals lead the team while Hwang Ui-jo is another attacking player who needs to be kept an eye on. Kim Young-Gwon leads South Korea’s back row as he nears 100 caps for his country. South Korea will be fighting for a second place for Uruguay and should be good enough for Ghana.
Ghana
GAMES TO WATCH: Thomas Partey, Jordan Ayew, Andre Ayew.
TOURNAMENT HISTORY: This will be Ghana’s fourth appearance at the World Cup all-time, with all three coming in the past 16 years. After impressive performances in 2006 and 2010, the Ghanians crashed out of the group stage in 2014.
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ROSTER – Goalkeeper: Lawrence Ati, Danlad Ibrahim, Manaf Nurudeen.
Protector: Joseph Aidoo, Daniel Amartey, Baba Rahman, Alexander Djiku, Tariq Lamptey, Gideon Mensah, Denis Odoi, Mohammed Salisu, Alidu Seidu.
Midfielders: Andre Ayew, Mohammed Kudus, Daniel-Kofi Kyereh, Elisha Owusu, Thomas Partey, Salis Abdul Samed.
Forward: Daniel Afriyie, Jordan Ayew, Osman Bukari, Issahaku Abdul Fatawu, Antoine Semenyo, Kamal Sowah, Kamaldeen Sulemana, Inaki Williams.
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NIR: With the youngest squad at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Ghana will face a tough climb in a tough Group H. Both Jordan and Andre Ayew will be among the leaders to watch in Ghana, especially with both having experience in some of Europe’s top flight. leagues Thomas Partey’s strong work rate will be important in midfield, especially to keep pressure on an inexperienced back line. Brighton defender Tariq Lamptey and Athletic Bilbao forward Inaki Williams are two recent new faces in the Ghana squad, who will add new energy to the squad.
Ghana will have a tough time against Portugal and Uruguay, but could have a good time against South Korea.
Baba Rahman and Daniel Amartey will be the two starters at the back
SBI Anticipated Order of Finish
1. Portugal. The fans to win the group, led by Ronaldo and several star weapons.
2. Uruguay. The dynamic attacking unit will push Portugal to the top spot.
3. South Korea. Plenty of experience, but who will step up alongside Son Heung-Min?
4. Ghana. The youngest team in Qatar will be up against some experienced opponents.
Will Brazil qualify for Group G? Can Switzerland or Serbia pull off an upset?
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