The FIFA World Cup nearly always has a so-called Group of Death. In 2014 it was Group D, in which Costa Rica managed to stun their more illustrious opponents ahead of Uruguay, with European giants Italy and England exiting at the group stage. Four years before that it was Group G, where Brazil and Portugal narrowly prevailed ahead of Didier Drogba’s Ivory Coast.
The upcoming tournament doesn’t have a group that particularly strikes fear in its representatives, but Group H looks the tightest of all eight. Online bookmakers such as FanDuel will be offering World Cup free bets, and they have made Portugal the favorites to top the group ahead of Uruguay. South Korea and Ghana also shouldn’t be written off.
Here are our predictions of how the group will finish this winter.
1st – Portugal
The Selecao are the favorites to top the group and for good reason. Their squad boasts a wealth of superstars such as Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias and, let’s not forget, Cristiano Ronaldo – who will probably be featuring in his fifth and final FIFA World Cup. Uruguay knocked Portugal out of the tournament four years ago, and CR7 and co. will be looking for revenge. And they aren’t the only ones…
2nd – Ghana
Does any nation have a bigger bone to pick with Uruguay than Ghana? It was the hand of Luis Suarez that denied the Black Stars from becoming the first-ever African semifinalists 12 years ago, on their home continent nonetheless. We predict that Ghana will get their revenge, and with the new additions of Inaki Williams and Tariq Lamptey joining the setup, it’s a very real possibility.
3rd – Uruguay
We understand, our prediction is a little harsh on La Celeste. Their squad does contain Real Madrid’s Champions League-winning Federico Valverde and Liverpool’s Darwin Nunez. But we just don’t see the quality that the South Americans have possessed in years gone by, and they could be in for quite the shock in Qatar.
4th – South Korea
South Korea’s motto for the upcoming competition should be very simple: In Son Heung-Min we trust. The Tottenham Hotspur forward is without a doubt the most talented player in their squad, and ‘Sonaldo’ is a bonafide superstar in his homeland. The pacey attacker has bagged 136 goals and provided 76 assists during his time in North London, as well as a further 35 goals in 104 appearances for his country. Their hopes lie solely on his shoulders.
