World Cup Preview - Group H: Is Ronaldo key to Portugal's chances?

Rounding off the group stage previews, attention turns to Group G as Cristiano Ronaldo aims to secure a World Cup winners' medal.

Ghana

How they qualified

Ghana qualified for the World Cup after seeing off a group filled with Zimbabwe, Ethiopia and South Africa. The Black Stars missed out on the 2018 World Cup and will be keen to establish themselves in a tricky group in Qatar.

One to Watch - Inaki Williams

Inaki Williams had been an ever present for Athletic Club after playing 236 consecutive La Liga matches, and he looks set to be one of Ghana’s star man after making himself available for their trip to Qatar. He didn't make a senior appearance for Spain’s national team, which allowed him to make the change to the Black Stars.

Young Player to Watch - Kamaldeen Sulemana

Kamaldeen Sulemana, who joined Rennes at the start of last season from Danish club Nordsjaelland, has been in and out of the side this season. He has predominantly featured as a substitute, but performances for Ghana could see more faith within the Rennes ranks in the future, but replacing Martin Terrier, in the run of form that he’s in, is going to be tough. He’s made 12 appearances for Ghana and is hoping to add to that in Qatar.

Prediction

With a tough group containing Portugal and Uruguay, we may see Ghana struggle to make the knockout stages.

Portugal

How they qualified

Portugal were pipped to top of their qualification group by Serbia, but were able to negotiate playoff matches against Turkey and North Macedonia. The Euro 2016 champions will be playing the side that knocked them out in the last World Cup, Uruguay

One to Watch - Cristiano Ronaldo

In what is probably his last ever World Cup, Cristiano Ronaldo is undoubtly the one to watch for Portugal. From hitting 18 Premier League goals last season to being forced out of the team and frustrated with his lack of playing time, the last few months have been tumultuous for the Portugal and Manchester United legend. How that affects his form in Qatar, and whether or not the rest of the squad will feel the repercussions, will be interesting for all to see.

Young Player to Watch - Rafael Leao

Rafael Leao has been one of the young players to watch for Portugal and AC Milan over the last year or so, and he played a key role in the latter's title win last season. His performances this season have caught the eye of many top clubs, and impressive performances will only keep those teams interested.

Prediction

With the amount of quality in Portugal’s ranks, we expect them to make the knockout stages. Whether that is in first or second will depend on how well they perform against Uruguay.

South Korea

How they qualified

South Korea made it through the Asian Qualification losing just once and finishing two points behind Iran, but 11 points ahead of third. They’ve been able to qualify for the last nine World Cups, and Qatar will be their 11th in their history.

One to Watch - Son Heung-Min

Tottenham’s Son Heung-Min will be the player to watch for South Korea. He is arguably the most well known Korean player, and he is seen as an icon in his home country. As for his football, this season has been mixed for Son, who won the Golden Boot last season. His form in the final third will still be South Korea’s best chance at qualification, if they are to make it out the group.

Young Player to Watch - Lee Kang-In

Lee Kang-In, who has excelled for Mallorca this season, is the young player to watch for South Korea. He’s made six appearances for his nation and will be another player who could help the Taegeuk Warriors with their ambitions to get out of the group.

Prediction

Despite the success of Son Heung-Min, South Korea are still expected to bow out in the group stages. They are also expected to finish bottom of the group, but their game against Ghana will most likely decide whether or not that will be the case.

Uruguay

How they qualified

Uruguay finished behind Brazil and Argentina in CONMEBOL qualification, but the change of manager from long standing boss Oscar Tabarez to Diego Alonso in 2021 helped inspire the team to qualify for the 2022 World Cup.