Group H looks incredibly exciting with group favourites Portugal, tournament underdogs Uruguay and solid sides in Ghana and South Korea.
Ghana are the lowest ranked side in the whole competition. However, I think they’ll be a much tougher test than people predict. The squad have some quality players including the likes of Tariq Lamperty, Mohammed Salisu, Thomas Partey and the Ayew brothers. Otto Addo will look to give a good account of Ghana and show that they can compete. Ghana last played in the World Cup back in 2014 and actually had Portugal in their group. They crashed out the group with 1 point but will look to improve from that showing. Despite the unlikely chance of qualification, I believe Ghana will gain some respect and won’t perform as bad as the FIFA rankings suggest.
Portugal are favourites to top the group and also tipped to go into the later rounds of the competition. Cristiano Ronaldo is the star man, despite the controversy with Manchester United he will always give his all for Portugal. He missed training with an illness but I’m sure he’ll do all he can to play that first match. This could be his last chance at winning the World Cup and the squad around him could do it. There’s a lot of talent from the likes of Rafael Leao, Bruno Fernandes, Joao Cancelo, Bernardo Silva and Ruben Dias. In recent years, Portugal won the 2016 Euros and the 2019 Nations League but only managed to qualify for the World Cup through the playoffs. There’s no doubt that Portugal have the quality to go all the way but the consistency has to be questioned.
South Korea will look to Son Heung-min to deliver the goods as they face a difficult task. We all remember the heroics against Germany in the 2018 World Cup despite it meaning nothing for South Koreas advancement in the tournament. The Spurs forward has declared himself fit for the tournament despite not playing for Tottenham recently. If South Korea are to advance, I’m sure Son will have a big part to play. A recent revelation in the South Korea squad is Napoli defender Kim Min-jae. He’s already picked up a Serie A player of the month award and has been vital in Napoli's great form.
Uruguay are being discussed as potential tournament underdogs due to their exciting squad. There’s a great balance of young talent and experienced professionals. This can be seen in the strike partnership. A Liverpool fans dream is about to come true, Darwin Nunez and Luis Suarez could start together for Uruguay which is a deadly front line. A player who could steal the show is Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde who has had an outstanding season for the European champions. They’re an exciting side but can be very unpredictable and should be an interesting watch.
I believe Portugal will top the group but only marginally. Uruguay could definitely steal that top spot but both should qualify. Ghana shouldn’t be overlooked but I think they’ll finish 3rd and this means South Korea will be 4th.
Who will top the group?
Ghana
Portugal
South Korea
Uruguay
Comments