What will surely be Cristiano Ronaldo‘s last chance to crowning his legacy as one of football’s all-time greats with World Cup glory begins in Group H of this winter’s tournament in Qatar.
However, his Portugal side face a testing section which includes dark horses Uruguay, as well as Ghana and South Korea.
Here, the Sports Mole team set out how they expect Group H to pan out.
© Reuters
We are fully expecting Portugal to top Group H despite it being a difficult section, which could see the national side take on Serbia in the last-16 stage of the competition.
Santos’s side should have too much for Serbia, but they might then run into Spain in the quarter-finals, and we would have to side with La Roja in a battle between the two rivals.
As a result, it could be a quarter-final exit for Portugal, which would be their best run in the competition since finishing fourth at the 2006 tournament in Germany.
© Reuters
Uruguay are sure to push Portugal all the way in Group H as they attempt to emulate the luminaries of old, but an ageing attack and an inconsistent Nunez could cost the two-time champions in their bid to finish top of the section.
A second-placed finish in the group would force Uruguay to take on the winners of Group G in the last 16, which would surely be Brazil, and there should only be one winner in that South American showdown.
© Reuters
Ghana’s squad does appear exciting on paper, especially with the likes of Williams and Kudus in attack, but with such a difficult group to navigate, it is tough to see Addo’s side progressing – they should provide stern opposition for the big boys in Group H though.
© Reuters
Even with a fully-fit Son, this South Korean side has flattered to deceive against better opposition, and with their superstar now a serious doubt and the fans not fully on board with Bento and his playing style, there is not much down for the Taeguk Warriors at these finals.