Portugal and Ghana get their 2022 FIFA World Cup campaigns up and running with a meeting at Stadium 974 in Doha on Thursday.
With Uruguay and South Korea also in Group H, this World Cup group could go to the wire.
The Portuguese have an extremely strong squad and are one of the favorites to go far in Qatar – can Fernando Santos’ men start with maximum points?
If you fancy a bet on Portugal vs Ghana, check out our Qatar 2022 predictions and picks.
Portugal vs. Ghana Information
Portugal will be looking to get off to a flying start in Doha on Thursday.
Santo’s Side
On paper, the Portuguese have one of the best squads in the tournament, and reaching the knockout phase is a bare minimum for Santos’ side. Can the UEFA Euro 2016 winners start with three points in game one?
This will no doubt be a tricky opening game for Ghana. Nevertheless, Otto Addo’s boys will fancy their chances of causing an upset in Doha. Right now, you can get the tempting odds of +750 for a Ghanaian win.
Ghana would no doubt take a draw (+375) now, but a point would be considered a bad outcome for the Portuguese.
Before you place a bet on Portugal vs Ghana make sure you read our betting preview for the best tips odds and predictions.
Portugal vs. Ghana Last Game
The only previous bout between Portugal and Ghana came at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. The group encounter went Portugal’s way, though they had to work hard for their three points.
Asamoah Gyan leveled for Ghana in the second period after an own goal gave the Portuguese a first-half lead.
The game looked to be heading for a tie, but Cristiano Ronaldo popped up with ten minutes to go to give Portugal a 2-1 success.
Portugal vs. Ghana Analysis
Portugal
Portugal are one of the biggest nations to never win a World Cup. They finished third in England way back in 1966 and reached the semi-finals in Germany in 2006.
However, they did secure their first major trophy in 2016, winning Euro 2016 in France. Portugal are among the favorites to go far in Qatar.
Santos has a fine Portugal soccer team of players at his disposal, selecting the likes of Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, and Ruben Dias, who are some of the best players in the English Premier League. At 37, this will surely be Ronaldo’s final World Cup.
After taking on Ghana at Stadium 974, the Navigators face Uruguay at Lusail Iconic Stadium on Matchday 2. Portugal’s group campaign ends with an intriguing-looking matchup with South Korea at Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan on December 2nd.
Portugal are the favorites to win Group H, but none of their three group games will be easy. Still, can Santos’ troops begin their competition with a big three points in Doha on Thursday?
Ghana
Until the World Cup in Germany in 2006, Ghana had never featured on soccer’s grandest stage. However, they went on to make it to three World Cups in a row from 2006 to 2014.
The Ghanaians failed to qualify for Russia four years ago, but they are back at a World Cup after edging out Nigeria in the Third Round of CAF qualifying.
Ghana’s best performance at a finals was in South Africa in 2010. They followed Germany out of Group D after beating Serbia and drawing with Australia.
In the Round of 16, the Black Stars edged past United States before losing a memorable game against Uruguay on penalties in Johannesburg in the quarters.
Ghana will go up against the Uruguayans again in this World Cup. They face Portugal in game one before taking on South Korea at Education City Stadium in round two before turning their attention to Uruguay.
Our Ghana World Cup prediction is the Black Stars to be eliminated in the group (-450), though they will give no team an easy ride in Group H.
Ghana will be hoping to follow in the footsteps of the 2010 team that so nearly reached the last four in South Africa. Anything can happen at this World Cup, and a positive result on Thursday will have Addo’s men dreaming of the knockouts.
Portugal vs. Ghana Odds Breakdown
Portugal Odds
As you would expect, Portugal are the red-hot favorites to take all three points from this group opener. Bet on Portugal vs Ghana now and get the decent price of -250 for a Portuguese win.
Ghana Odds
Ghana are the underdogs, but can Addo’s troops cause one or two problems in Group H? The Ghanaian victory here is available at the big odds of +750, while you can get the draw at +375.
Portugal vs. Ghana Betting Pick and Prediction
Portugal are looking to go far in Qatar, so three points from game one could be crucial.
We have already seen one major shock in this World Cup, and the Navigators will want to put in a professional performance and get the job done with as little fuss as possible in Doha.
Ghana will enjoy the occasion, but Portugal should be too strong at Stadium 974. We like the look of +110 for the Portuguese to win -1. Also, put some money on Portugal to win to nil at evens.
Soccer Pick: Portugal -1 (+110)
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