World Cup 2022: Ronaldo Set to Take His Bow

Portugal vs Ghana

The moment is almost here folks! One of the two players who have been at the pinnacle of world football for over a decade is ready for action.

Lionel Messi has already taken the pitch, in Argentina’s shock defeat to Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, and now it is the turn of his long time rival, Cristiano Ronaldo, who hopes to spearhead Portugal’s Qatar campaign. This Group H clash, World Cup: Portugal vs Ghana is one of the ties of the week as it pitches together a star-studded Selecao together with one of Africa’s toughest teams.

The pre-match Portugal vs Ghana betting odds are right behind the Europeans at odds of 1.37 to win this game, but Ghana are not to be taken lightly; the Black Stars have some quality players and will be tough to break down. Both teams come into the tournament in good spirits; Portugal spanked Nigeria 4-0 in a friendly game last week while Ghana had a 2-0 victory over a famously stubborn Switzerland.

Talking Points

Can Portugal deliver on the pitch?

This Portugal is a team packed with talent and one which has a good chance of going deep into the competition. But of course there is no way anyone can keep the legendary Ronaldo out of the Portugal vs Ghana news, and he has been writing some headlines recently back in England. There has been something of a media circus in the UK after CR7 did a controversial TV interview which probably means he’s played his last game for Manchester United. And he has one of his Red Devils team-mates alongside him in Qatar in the shape of midfield ace Bruno Fernandes. Ronaldo said he has been betrayed by his club and that will not sit easily with his club-mate.   

Fernades insists there is no problem between them, and Manchester City star Bernardo Silva has weighed in to the argument to say the team should just concentrate on winning in Qatar. There are ten of the Premier League’s finest players in the Portugal squad including Silva’s team-mates Ruben Dias and Joao Cancelo, while AC Milan sensation Rafael Leao is a player to watch.  

Head coach Fernando Santoshas the tools at his disposal, now he needs to get them to focus on winning their opener.     

Partey set to lead Ghana

Ghana head coach OttoAddo took over on an interim basis in February but when the Black Stars beat Nigeria in their play-off he was retained for the World Cup finals, and has pulled former Newcastle United manager Chris Hughton into his coaching team.

Hughton will know a number of the Ghana players from his time as a Premier League manager including Leicester City utility player Daniel Amartey. But it is Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey who will be the key player for Ghana. He has been in outstanding form for the Gunners and has become one of the best defensive midfielders in the English league, and with 13 goals in 40 appearances for the Black Stars he has shown he can add spice to the attack. And watch out for the 22 year old Mohammed Kudus who has impressed mightily for Ajax in the Champions League. The left footed attacking midfielder scored against both Liverpool and Napoli. He’s a strong player with plenty of pace and the kind of technique Ajax fans have seen at their clubs for decades.

And for La Liga fans, Athletic Bilbao’s quick footed striker Inaki Williams could make a start just in front of Kudus.     

History

Ranked ninth in the FIFA World listings Portugal were semi-finalists in the 1966 World Cup and of course European Champions in 2016. The Selecao also won the inaugural UEFA Nations League in 2019 and they won’t be expecting an early exit in Qatar.

Ghana were World Cup quarter finalists in 2010 and are four times winners of the African Cup of Nations, but the last time back in 1982.  

Portugal won the only previous fixture between these two sides, a 2-1 World Cup triumph back in 2014 as Ronaldo scored the winner, but neither side made it to the Round of 16.

In terms of recent form, the Selecao have won four and lost two of their last six games, while Ghana have won three, drawn two and lost one.

Betting Tip

With Ghana at 7.80 to win and the draw at SBOTOP odds of 4.70 there’s some good value if you fancy an upset at the Stadium 974.

1-0 to Portugal is the most likely outcome at odds of 5.00, with 2-0 at 5.40 and I do think the Selecao’s quality will see them through. But Ghana carry a threat and I’m opting for a balanced bet with a couple of goals but not an avalanche.   

 

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