The world’s biggest sporting event is finally here, and brings one of the most competitive groups in world cup history in Group H. Match day one sees a rematch from the group stage of the 2014 FIFA World Cup between Ghana and Portugal. The 2016 UEFA European Champions in Portugal will look to give Cristiano Ronaldo a send off and give him the trophy that has evaded him so far in his long and impactful career. The first match will not be easy, as they face a young and hungry Ghanian side that has seen many new additions of exciting talents.
With many considering this as the “group of death”, no game will be easy for either Portugal or Ghana, but both sides will fancy their chances to qualify for the knockout stages and potentially make a run in the competition. Portugal will be the favorites to top the group that also consists of the Korea Republic and Uruguay, with the latter knocking out Ronaldo and co. in the 2018 edition. In fact, this group seems to have a few rivalries within it, so each match should be a thrilling encounter with so much quality in all four squads. Portugal will be looking to make a deep run with perhaps the most talented squad the country has had since their inception with both young starts and grizzled veterans. Ghana will look to play the spoiler however, as fans will fill the unique Stadium 974 in hope of an absolute classic encounter.
Portugal vs. Ghana TV Channel in US
- When: Thursday, November 26
- Time: 11 AM ET
- Location: Qatar
- TV channels: FOX, Telemundo, Universo
- Streaming: Peacock
Portugal World Cup 2022 squad preview
In what very well looks like the last major international tournament for Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal must feel that this may be their best chance at bringing the trophy home. With Ronaldo in the headlines more for his contract termination from English Premier League side Manchester United after a stunning interview with Piers Morgan, the 37 year old will be hungry to prove the critics wrong
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗛𝗢𝗦𝗘𝗡 𝗢𝗡𝗘𝗦. ⚡🇵🇹 Senhoras e senhores, estes são os nossos eleitos que vão marcar presença no @FIFAWorldCup ! 🏆 #VesteABandeira
It's 𝗢𝗙𝗙𝗜𝗖𝗜𝗔𝗟: this is our squad for the @FIFAWorldCup ! 🏆 #WearTheFlag pic.twitter.com/2LwDfWrVVG
— Portugal (@selecaoportugal) November 10, 2022
He won’t be alone however, as this Portuguese side is extremely talented, especially in the attack and midfield. Former Manchester United teammate Bruno Fernandes has been looking closer to his former self and will play a key role in linking the attack. With forwards like Bernardo Silva, Joao Felix, and Andre Silva to support Ronaldo, there is so much quality depth to choose from. The likes of Fernandes and Ruben Neves alongside Joao Palhinha will look to gain a stronghold on the midfield. Joao Cancelo is arguably the best fullback in the world and players like Nuno Mendes and Diogo Dalot also bring great quality. Could this finally be the year that Ronaldo gets his hands on soccer’s most coveted prize?
Ghana World Cup 2022 squad preview
Ghana will be looking to surprise many as they tend to do in major tournaments. The “Black Stars” have recently seen a large amount of dual nationals join the ranks. This includes Athletic Bilbao striker Inaki Williams and Brighton and Hove Albion fullback Tariq Lamptey, who have switched their allegiances to Ghana. Captain Thomas Partey will look to maintain the defensive midfield position as he does with Premier League leaders Arsenal and the Ayew brothers in Andre and Jordan will hope they can make one last run in what will likely be their final international tournament.
𝑼𝒑 𝑵𝒆𝒙𝒕 ⏳
𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗨𝗚𝗔𝗟 🆚 𝗚𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗔
🗓️ Tomorrow – 4:00 PM (GMT)
𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗘 𝗢𝗡 #BlackStars !#TeamGhana | #FIFAWorldCup | #Qatar2022 pic.twitter.com/rhOuo9lXJ3
— 🇬🇭 Black Stars (@GhanaBlackstars) November 23, 2022
The strongest part of this Ghanian squad would be their midfield, with the likes of Partey, Mohammed Kudos, and young wide midfielder Kamaldeen Sulemana looking to make an impact. Another player who will have high expectations is Southampton center-back Mohammed Salisu, who is currently being scouted by teams such as Tottenham Hotspur and Inter Milan. Looking like underdogs, Ghana will look to bring some more magic to an already magical tournament.
FIFA 2022 World Cup Portugal vs Ghana Predicted lineups
Predicted Portugal XI
- Costa
- Cancelo
- Pepe
- Dias
- Guerreiro
- Neves
- Carvalho
- Fernandes
- B. Silva
- Ronaldo
- Leao
Predicted Ghana X
- Ati Zigi
- Lamptey
- Amartey
- Salisu
- Baba
- Partey
- Abdul Samed
- A.Ayew
- Kudus J. Ayew
- Williams
Betting Odds:
- Portugal vs. Ghana spread: Portugal -1.5 (+115)
- Portugal vs. Ghana over/under: 2.5 goals
- Portugal vs. Ghana money line: Portugal -245; Ghana +750; Draw +330
