Portugal could be one of the World Cup’s dark horses. The team has never won the World Cup but has the talent to lift the trophy this year.
Ghana are one of Africa’s representatives and hope to make a big impact on the World Cup 2022. Portugal and Ghana are in Group H along with South Korea and Uruguay. Group H is a difficult group, with any of the four sides potentially qualifying for the last 16.
Palavra de Capitão! 🫡🏆 #VesteABandeiraThe captain has spoken! 🫡🏆 #WearTheFlag pic.twitter.com/e3jpH9E1CK— Portugal (@selecaoportugal) November 21, 2022
Palavra de Capitão! 🫡🏆 #VesteABandeiraThe captain has spoken! 🫡🏆 #WearTheFlag pic.twitter.com/e3jpH9E1CK
The Black Stars are one of the lowest-ranked teams at the World Cup. Ghana are 61st in the world, according to FIFA. Manager Otto Addo led the Black Stars to a 2-0 win against Switzerland on November 17 in a pre-tournament friendly.
Addo used a 4-2-3-1 formation versus the Swiss and could deploy the team in the formation once more. Andre Ayew and Jordan Ayew will likely start in attack, with Athletic Club’s Inaki Williams starting as a forward too.
Ghana have some capable players playing at the highest level. If Portugal are off their game, Ghana could pick up a win.
Portugal are coming off a 4-0 win versus Nigeria on November 17. Bruno Fernandes scored twice, and Goncalo Ramos and Joao Mario added goals. Manager Fernando Santos will also use a 4-2-3-1 formation.
Ronaldo shoud start as a captain, with Santos going for a nearly similar XI to the team that played against Nigeria.
Fernandes should start in attack. Santos deployed the Man United player on the right side of an attacking three. Man City’s Bernardo Silva played as a No 10 to pull the offensive strings.
Joao Felix could start on the left wing. If Santos does not start Ronaldo, he could play RB Leipzig’s Andre Silva as the team’s No 9.
Portugal and Ghana have met just once before Thursday’s game. The meeting was at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, and Portugal won 2-1. Thursday’s game should see the Portuguese defeat Ghana again by a 2-1 score. Fernandes is playing well and could get a goal for the Portuguese.