FIFA World Cup: Decoding the best matches in Group H
Group H of the FIFA World Cup 2022 features highly promising campaigners. Two-time World Cup winners Uruguay have a solid mix of youth and experience. Portugal have some of the biggest names in club football to bank upon. South Korea will mark their 10th consecutive World Cup experience, while Ghana will look to emulate past heroics. We decode the best matches in Group H.
Uruguay vs South Korea, November 24
Uruguay will play the Group H opener against South Korea on November 24. In the CONMEBOL Qualification, Uruguay had a shaky run, including losses to Brazil (0-2) and Argentina (0-1), before finishing third in the points table. South Korea faced just a minor setback in the AFC Qualifiers as they booked their tickets for Qatar (W7 D2 L1).
Portugal vs Uruguay, November 28
In all likelihood, Portugal will breeze past Ghana to face Uruguay in the battle of heavyweights in Group H. Both sides have met each other three times, with Uruguay coming on top twice (L1). Interestingly, Uruguay defeated Portugal (2-1) in their last meet (R16) at the 2018 World Cup. Both teams have ample amount of flair and experience to light up this fixture.
Key players to watch out for
Regardless of Cristiano Ronaldo's form for Manchester United in 2022-23, he remains the linchpin for Portugal. He is the all-time scorer in international football (117 goals). Son Heung-min will be South Korea's go-to man. He has fetched five goals and two assists for Spurs this season. Uruguay will bank on the attacking prowess of Liverpool's Darwin Nunez who has done an able job.
Suarez, Ronaldo all set to edge past Maradona's goal tally
Suarez and Ronaldo (7 goals each) can surpass football greats, namely Diego Maradona (8), Rivaldo (8), and David Villa (9) in the list of leading goal-scorers in the World Cup.
Here's how Portugal and Uruguay can line-up
Portugal (4-2-3-1): Rui Patricio; Joao Cancelo, Ruben Dias, Pepe, Nuno Mendes; Ruben Neves, William Carvalho; Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes, Rafael Leao; Cristiano Ronaldo. Uruguay's Probable XI (4-4-2): Fernando Muslera; Ronald Araujo, Diego Godin, Jose Maria Gimenez, Mathias Vina; Federico Valverde, Rodrigo Bentancur, Lucas Torreira, Matthias Vecino; Darwin Nunez, Luis Suarez.
South Korea's Probable XI in 2022 WC
South Korea (4-2-3-1): Kim Seung-gyu; Kim Tae-hwan, Kim Min-jae, Kim Young-gwon, Kim Jin-su; Jung Woo-young, Hwang In-beom; Hwang Hee-chan, Lee Jae-sung, Son Heung-min; Hwang Ui-jo.
Group H: Here's the schedule of matches
Uruguay vs South Korea: November 24 (6:30 PM IST). Portugal vs Ghana: November 24 (9:30 PM IST). South Korea vs Ghana: November 28 (6:30 PM IST). Portugal vs Uruguay: November 29 (12:30 AM IST). Ghana vs Uruguay: December 2 (8:30 PM IST). South Korea vs Portugal: December 2 (8:30 PM IST).
Where to watch the Qatar World Cup in India?
Fans in India can watch the FIFA World Cup 2022 live on Sports18 and Sports18 HD. Fans can stream the matches on the Voot app and Jio Cinema (paid subscription).
