Ghana looking for glory and revenge in Qatar

Ghana made it to the World Cup finals outmuscling a talented Nigerian team and their reward is a re-match with Uruguay, who controversially beat them back in 2010 to deny them a semi-final appearance after Luis Suarez stopped a goal-bound effort with his hands and the resulting penalty was missed. They’ve got to the knockout stages twice (most famously the Quarter Finals) so the bar may be set high for the Black Stars. But not everything is good off the pitch - Ghana’s government had to send over cash by plane as players issued an ultimatum (as allowances promised were not given). Qatar 2022 will be the 4th World Cup they will participate in.

Asamoah Gyan is their top goalscorer with 6 goals and has aspirations once again of making this year’s tournament, but his best days may be behind him. Andre Ayew who plays for Qatari side Al Sadd remains captain of the side and has made well over 100 appearances for his country. There are other familiar names; Jordan Ayew is a threat up front for Premier League side Crystal Palace, teammate Jeffrey Schlupp is a regular too. Thomas Partey has featured for high-flying Arsenal this term (and scored vitally against Nigeria to qualify for Qatar 2022). Andy Yiadom is an attacking right-back for Championship side Reading and fellow countryman Baba Rahman has re-joined the Royals – he may start for Ghana in the opening game. Mohammed Kudus plays for Ajax as a central attacking midfielder (linked with Everton) and is seen as an exciting talent; ex-Ajax Manager Erik Ten Haag sees potential in the player but he has suffered knock backs as he was injured on his Champions League debut.

Away from the current crop of players, Ghana have been successful in attracting new players with quality into the squad with Bilbao’s Inaki Williams, Southampton’s Salisu and Brighton’s Lamptey all pledging to play for Ghana. Chris Hughton joined Ghana in a technical advisor role to help manager Otto Addo and may help further still behind the scenes in attracting talent with links to Ghana. Arsenal’s Nketiah and Chelsea’s Callum Hudson-Odoi are also yet to declare their intentions at the time of writing, but this Ghana team could be packed with talent playing in some of the best leagues in Europe. It will be interesting to see how Ghana will perform in Qatar with fellow African side Cameroon with different approaches to player recruitment (the latter relying on players who got them to the tournament). Ghana rank 60th in the world – they will be hoping that belies their true potential when the World Cup kicks off.

So, what are their chances?

Ghana always have the potential to upset top teams but will have to do better than they did against Brazil where they were completely dominated and lost 3-0. Playing Andre Ayew in midfield will have to be avoided. Where they have new players, they will have to integrate them quickly and there may not be enough time. This may be a tournament too far.

Verdict: Group stage (4th place – 1 point)

Manager: Otto Addo (Ghana) currently works as both as coach of Ghana but also talent coach for Borussia Dortmund, where he won a league title and UEFA Cup as a player. He also won an AFCON title with his country and led them to group stage victory at the 2006 World Cup in Germany. He has helped bring through the likes of Haaland and Bellingham at Dortmund and hopes to inspire his team alongside Aston Villa U23 coach George Boateng, ex-Asante Kotoko coach Mas-ud Didi Dramani Read and former Brighton and Newcastle coach Chris Hughton.

Key player: Thomas Partey will be one of the first names on the team sheet for Ghana who is more likely to play more of an attacking role than he does for Arsenal and will as Vice Captain during the World Cup. He is very central to Arteta’s plans: "You can see the presence and the special qualities he provides to the team when he is on the pitch." According to the Coaches Voice Partey prioritises covering the spaces between full-back and centre-back, particularly when opponents have progressed into the inside channel. It is this defensive coverage that will be critical if they are to withstand the likes of Darwin Nunez, Cristiano Ronaldo and Son Heung Min.

Portugal

Packed full of stars and Ronaldo. Can Portugal find a way of maximising their talents.

Portugal have plenty of World Cup pedigree but no titles to show for it despite other European titans securing silverware at the previous 4 tournaments. They do have a Euro 2016 title much thanks attributed to icon Cristiano Ronaldo (and super substitute Éder). Portugal played out one of the games of the tournament back in 2018 when they drew with neighbours Spain 3-3; Ronaldo the star of that one too with a last-gasp free-kick which left David De Gea stunned. But Portugal are no longer solely Ronaldo-reliant. A host of stars make them contenders. Manchester City’s Cancelo, Dias and Bernardo Silva, Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes & Diego Dalot and Leipzig’s Andre Silva. Let alone Wolves’ well documented Portuguese contingent, the evergreen Pepe at Porto and Roma’s Rui Patricio/Porto’s Costa. Liverpool’s Diogo Jota is unfortunately out due to injury which is a big miss upfront.

Although the team on paper has World Cup winning potential, the Portuguese made hard work of qualifying, having lost the opportunity to top their qualifying group (behind Serbia) and with the greatest respect, fortuitously facing Macedonia as opposed to current European Champions Italy. Portugal’s best finish at the World Cup was back in 1966 as they claimed a 3rd place finish - and that needs to change. A possible route to the final, if they can top a tricky group is World Cup Qualification rivals Serbia in the last 16, a reunion with Spain in the Quarters, European finalists England in the Semis and then a final with Argentina. That's right, it would be a GOAT off. Messi vs Ronaldo – winner takes all. A final befitting of two legends of the game. Ronaldo may not be the star he was, but it will be difficult to keep him out of the limelight.

So, what are their chances?

Portugal may have a stunning new kit and a team packed with quality players but their struggle to get the best out of them is something that is confusing and had it not been for a fortunate 2016 Euros triumph (where they didn’t win many games and came 3rd in the group) they may have a different manager now. But in the big tournaments, somehow, they find a way through. Due to the erratic form though there won't be a fairy-tale final this tome.

Verdict: Group H Winners (5 points) Last 16

Manager: Fernando Santos (Portugal) has been charge since 2014 and guided the team to glory in Euro 2016 and the Nations League a couple of years later. But 2 last-16 exits to Uruguay and Belgium in the last 2 major tournaments has left them wanting more this time around. Santos played for Portuguese outfits Estoril and Maritimo in the 1970’s and 1980’s as a defender. As a manager he has won club honours for Porto and AEK Athens. He has been known to play with a 4-4-2 or 4-3-3 formation but encourages the full-backs to push on. However this isn’t a message that his team always receives as he admits in World Cup Qualifying when they failed to beat Ireland or Serbia: “Our DNA is to play with the ball at our feet, but we found it difficult. It’s true that our team lacked personality. Bernardo wanted the ball, but he was the only one. We always played with fear and anxiety, passing from side to side, back to the goalkeeper. The responsibility is mine." Santos will need to ensure his team approach games with the right frame of mind when they kick-off their campaign.

Key player: Cristiano Ronaldo – Fernando Santos still relies on him despite him reaching the latter stages of his career: “I've said it so many times, he's the best in the world and I hope in Qatar he will score again.” The statistics are incredible, he made his international debut almost 20 years ago in 2003, when he started against Kazakhstan in a friendly. 10 international hattricks. 117 goals and counting – the record for any international player. Capable of leaping extraordinary heights to meet headers, able to score with either foot from any distance. A ruthless goal scorer, he has had a somewhat indifferent return at Old Trafford. There's one trophy missing from his C.V. You wouldn’t back against him adding to his 7 goals at World Cup Finals.

South Korea

Son-Heung min looking to lead South Korea deep into the World Cup…

Korea Republic or South Korea qualified for their 10th straight World Cup by finishing second to Iran. Last time out, even beating 2014 World Champions Germany was not enough to see them reach the knockout stages having lost to Mexico and Sweden. The last time they did qualify was back in 2010 but were knocked out by group rivals Uruguay in the last-16, thanks to a Luis Suarez double - can they gain revenge this time around? Dutch manager Guus Huddink led them to their most successful tournament when they joint hosted in 2002 – where they beat Portugal, Italy and Spain to a semi-final appearance before finally succumbing to Germany. A memorable run that still lives long in the memory and illustrates how home advantage can play a big difference if momentum can be gathered (watch and learn Qatar!). South Korea will warm up against Cameroon and Costa Rica and will need to get the most out of those fixtures to prepare for a tough group containing Uruguay, Portugal and Ghana. The Koreans may have beaten Chile in a recent friendly 2-0 but they also lost 5-1 to Brazil; they look defensively vulnerable. A notable transfer in the summer was Kim-Min Jae who moved from Fenerbahçe to Napoli as a centre back – in order to replace the outgoing Koulibaly who made his long-awaited move to the Premier League; if he can quickly build momentum in Serie A, that can only be beneficial for manager Bento and his charges. At th time of writing he has already made 11 appearances and scored twice too!

Of course, when you think of South Korea, you think of Son Heung Min who won the Golden Boot in the Premier League last season (although he is having a harder time of it this campaign as Spurs bolstered their attack with the likes of Richarlison, Perisic and Kulusevski). Son will be needed to perform at his talismanic best in order to give the Koreans a chance of progressing. Hwang is a familiar face for Premier League fans, capable of scoring goals although not prolific for Wolves. Woo-yeong Jeong is another forward option who plies his trade at Freiburg. Lee Jae-Sung is another attacking player although often stationed further back in midfield or can also play as a winger who’s scored 9 times for his country. Mallorca's South Korean midfielder Lee Kang-in has made a late case for selection having scored and assisted early on in La Liga; his club manager, Aguirre, has backed him: "I dare say he is one of the most talented players in the squad." The majority of remaining players reside in the J-League in South Korea; the most notable of these players is goalkeeper Hyeonwoo who claimed a man of the match performance after pulling off 6 saves against Germany in what ultimately was for them a dead rubber victory. He is expected to remain between the sticks for the upcoming tournament.

So, what are their chances?

They have a chance of making the knock-out stages - they will be heavily relying on match winner Son. They can go toe to toe with anyone in the group and they may just squeak through with Uruguay out of sorts.

Verdict: Group H runners up (2nd – 5 points) Last 16

Manager: Paul Bento (Portugal) who has managed South Korea since the last World Cup has a 64% win-rate and will be looking to inflict a win on former employers and compatriots Portugal in the group stage. “However, I know it’s not going to be an easy game (vs. Portugal) in an emotional sense. Regardless of what the situation will be by the time the game comes around, it’s definitely going to be an emotional challenge for me. It’s a first for me and it’s sure to be a different experience.” Funnily enough Bento was on the pitch for Portugal when they lost to South Korea in the 2002 World Cup – will history repeat itself?

Key players: Son Heung Min is simply a world class player and Korea’s main attacking threat. He has scored 33 goals in over 100 appearances for his nation and getting on for a century of goals for his club Tottenham Hotspurs. His form last season as well as his link up play with Harry Kane was formidable and too much for his rivals (as he helped Spurs claim Champions League football). Through the Korean FA Youth project, he joined German outfit Hamburger SV and hasn’t looked back since. He has scored in 3 previous World Cup matches and will likely need to make an impact in all 3 games to help his side qualify. Son is regarded as one of the nicest guys in football, along with Ngolo Kante. Wolves’ Hwang is worth mentioning too as a secondary attacking threat, Son cannot do it on his own.

Uruguay

Which Uruguay will turn up this time?

Uruguay were the first ever winners of the World Cup when they hosted 92 years ago in 1930 and then won it again in 1950. The South American’s best showing since then have been three 4th place finishes, the most recent of which in 2010 having beaten group rivals Ghana controversially. In that Quarter Final showing, Luis Suarez handballed a goal bound effort – he was sent off, but the penalty was missed, and Uruguay went through on a penalty shootout. The reunion should be interesting! Uruguay were beaten by eventual winners France last time out and it will be interesting to see who leads the line this time around.

Edison Cavani and Luis Suarez are in the twilight of their careers and Darwin Nunez is now number 9 for Liverpool although he displays a similar temper to Suarez. Giorgian De Arrascaeta scored the winner against Peru to put Uruguay safely though to the finals - he may be one to watch. La Celeste have Tottenham’s Bentancur to call upon, Real Madrid’s Valverde and Atletico Madrid’s Gimenez who may partner with Sporting Lisbon’s Coates or stalwart Diego Godin in defence. Last time out however it was Cacares and Barcelona’s Araujo but the latter suffered an injury and will need surgery – a blow for the South Americans.

It looks like Sergio Rochet will get the nod in goal ahead of experienced Fernando Muslera who has made 133 appearances and counting for Uruguay. This, arguably, is one of the most balanced groups of the tournament but Uruguay will be by no means fearful of their opponents – Uruguay vs Ghana is a must-watch. South Korea will be looking for revenge too! Uruguay will be hoping to fine-tune their performances having suffered a 1-0 defeat against Iran. Their form has been indifferent.

So, how will they do?

Uruguay could win the group but could also finish last – it is that unpredictable. They could just fall short of Portugal but have too much for Ghana which leads to the decider between Uruguay and South Korea. Nullifying Son for the Koreans will determine their fate. Their recent loss to Iran is alarming and they may not have the right balance in the team at the moment. Nunez is a threat upfront but like Suarez is capable of getting sent off at the worst moments.

Verdict: Group stage (3rd – 4 points)

Manager: Diego Alonso is the new man at the helm following 15 years of Óscar Tabárez. Although very early days, his team has a 85% win-rate. Alonso also won CONCACAF Champions League with Pachuca so has pedigree when it comes to silverware. He was notably the first coach of new MLS side Inter Miami. He will be keen to imprint his own identity at his first World Cup, starting with a statement win over South Korea.

Key player: Federico Valverde is a superbly talented midfielder who will set the tone in the engine room for his team; he can readily pounce on loose balls when opposition touches are imperfect, play neat passes to team mates to start attacks and has a quick turn of pace to block attacking threats. He is a highly valued player for the reigning UEFA Champions League winners, Real Madrid, as well as Uruguay. He has 4 goals for his country and will hope to add an element of control to games which will be needed against the likes of Ronaldo, Bernardo Silva, Son Heung Min and Aboubakar.