Group H – Theo

Ghana, Portugal , South Korea, Uruguay

Group H likely has the highest stakes in the tournament. Most likely, second place in Group H would have to play Brazil, potentially the toughest matchup in the tournament, while first place would play Serbia, giving them a much easier chance of making a deep run in the tournament. Portugal has one of their best rosters of the past decade, which says a lot given their victories in the 2016 European Championship and the 2018-19 Nations League. However, Ronaldo is seemingly no longer the player he used to be. The goal scoring ability remains, but his value is limited beyond that. Portugal’s manager Fernando Santos has repeatedly been criticized for his conservative attacking approach, despite the incredible players he has up front. If Santos is able to make that adjustment this time around, Portugal could be a dangerous team. Uruguay, on the other hand, are a dark horse in this tournament. Players like Louis Suarez and Federico Valverde will lead an attacking-heavy squad. Their defense is less reliable, and their struggles to keep hold of possession might hold them back in this group. As for South Korea, they shocked the world in 2018 to defeat and eliminate Germany, the 2014 champs, 2-0 in the group stage. Once again, they will be led by star winger Heung Min Son, but it may not be enough to secure a spot in the knockouts. Ghana will be looking to get their revenge against Uruguay after a blatant handball by Luis Suarez in 2010 prevented them from becoming the first African team to ever reach the semi-finals of the World Cup. This year, Ghana has the youngest team in the tournament. Their lack of experience and talent will most likely keep them from making it out of the group stage.