Portugal vs Ghana | We include our pre-match prediction for each team’s opening game in Group H in our preview of the 2022 World Cup encounter between Portugal and Ghana.

Preview

According to Ruben Dias, Portugal won’t be deterred from their goal of starting their World Cup campaign by the controversy surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo.

Prior to Portugal’s opening Group H encounter against Ghana in Qatar on Thursday at Stadium 974, Ronaldo’s heated interview with Piers Morgan has been the talk of the town.

Despite what appeared to be a tense interaction with his former Manchester United teammate Bruno Fernandes upon the latter’s arrival at the team’s training camp, Portugal’s captain assured no problems had been made in the group.

However, center-back Dias dismissed the possibility that Ronaldo’s predicament might prove to be a distraction.

In a news conference on Tuesday, Dias said, “I don’t think Cristiano’s troubles have put a dent whatsoever on what we are trying to do here. Therefore, I thus have nothing to add to the discussion.

“I believe we have covered this in enough detail; there isn’t much else to say. We will concentrate as a team right now on the World Cup and not on other matters.

“We are committed to defeating Ghana. The ideal strategy for success is to concentrate on one game at a time, and that is the best method for us to have a prosperous future.

Portugal will have a difficult time leaving Group H.

We are conscious that we are up against a very dangerous squad. Although we are aware of the challenges Ghana may provide, we are firmly focused on what we are doing.

Athletes to Watch

Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal

What greater setting exists than this for Ronaldo to silence his detractors? In order to become the first player to score in five different World Cup finals, the 37-year-old must succeed.

Ronaldo has scored seven goals in the competition, all of which have come in the group stage. He is the player in the competition with the most goals scored who hasn’t scored a goal in the knockout rounds (six such appearances without a goal).

Mohammed Kudus

A player for Ghana, revealed earlier this week that he nearly signed with Everton in August. However, if the 22-year-old maintains his club form into the World Cup, bigger teams may show interest in him in January.

In six appearances this season, he has scored 10 goals for Ajax, including four in the Champions League.
Kudus might be one to watch in Qatar because Williams is in front of him and Partey is behind.