A rematch of the 2010 World Cup quarter-final between Uruguay and Ghana headlines an exciting Group H at the men’s football World Cup 2022.
The other two sides, South Korea and Portugal, are headlined by the Premier League’s Golden Boot winner from last season, Son Heung-min, and runner-up Cristiano Ronaldo.
Portugal
This World Cup will likely be Cristiano Ronaldo’s last international tournament as he looks to prove once more why he is one of the world’s greatest players.
Recent controversy over the player’s attitude towards his current employers Manchester United has dominated the week leading up to the tournament.
Ronaldo will be joined by teammates Diogo Dalot and Bruno Fernandes, who gave him a frosty reception when the squad met up.
Fernando Santos will lead the Portuguese team in this World Cup, potentially for the last time.
The manager is currently in the hot seat despite past successes in both the 2016 European Championship and 2019 Nations League.
The question remains can he claim the one trophy that has eluded him during his time as Portugal manager.
Star Player: Bernardo Silva who continues to show his quality for Manchester City.
Ghana
Otto Addo, the only manager at this World Cup to be working in a part-time capacity, will lead a talented but out-of-form Ghanain side in Qatar.
After Asamoah Gyan’s infamous penalty miss in the 2010 World Cup quarter-final, the Black Stars have struggled to replicate their success.
The Ayews, Andre and Jordan, will add quality to a defensively strong side and former Spaniard Inaki Williams may add the goals they need.
Ghana will have revenge against group rivals Uruguay at the forefront of their focus.
An early elimination is expected of the West Africans, however the Black Stars have shown their ability to surpass expectations in the past.
Key Player: Arsenal’s Thomas Partey is the driving force in a well-organised Ghana side looking to cause an upset.
Uruguay
The Sky Blue will enter their first major tournament since the 2002 World Cup without legendary manager Oscar Tabarez.
After a disastrous start to the CONMEBOL qualifying campaign, the 75-year-old was replaced with former Inter Miami boss Diego Alonso.
Uruguay’s performance at this World Cup is reliant on the form of Liverpool’s Darwin Nunez who has been inconsistent since his big money move in the summer.
This tournament will be seen as a changing of the guard as Diego Godin, Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani feature in potentially their last World Cup.
Uruguay will be confident in their ability to challenge Portugal for the title of table-toppers.
Key player: Federico Valverde has been in imperious form this season, adding goals to an already world class skill set.
SOUTH KOREA
South Korea have performed well in their respective region but in the overall FIFA table they are outranked by Asian counterparts Iran and Japan.
Led by Paulo Bento, the Taegeuk Warriors have enjoyed his management for over four years with talks to extend the contract.
The Asian powerhouse will be looking to rectify their last World Cup performance after crashing out from the group stages in 2018.
South Korean fans anxiously await news of Son Heung-min’s recovery after he suffered a broken cheek-bone which required surgery.
Other notable players include Wolves’ player Hwang Hee-chan and Freiburg’s Kim Min-jae looking to impress for their side.
Star Player: Son Heung-min was last season’s winner of the Premier League golden boot and was the first ever Asian player to win the prize.
Expected Outcome:
| 1 | Uruguay |
| 2 | Portugal |
| 3 | South Korea |
| 4 | Ghana |
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Featured image credit: Wikimedia Commons/Macedonianbooy1
