Portugal vs Ghana: Predicted lineup, injury news, head-to-head

Cristiano Ronaldo's first World Cup 2022 game will begin against young and exciting Ghanians at Stadium 974 on Thursday.

Considering Portugal's team riches, this World Cup will be different, and they should be compared to other major nations. However, because there is less debate about Portugal and their superstar has taken the headlines, Manchester United announced yesterday that they had terminated Ronaldo's contract on a mutual basis after his shocking interview. However, this should not hide the fact that Portugal will be a bit surprising in this tournament.

Ghana's 2-0 win over Switzerland should have encouraged them they are capable of pulling off another upset. The Black Star will attempt to cash on this victory.

Kick off : 09:30 PM (IST) , 4 PM (GMT)

Portugal form (all competition): W-L-W-L-W-W

Ghana form (all competition): W-W-L-D-W-D

Injury news

Portugal has no injury concerns, as all 26 players are fit to play. Ronaldo had a stomach upset in a friendly encounter against Nigeria, but the former Manchester United player is fit and will aim to boost his goal record.

Ghana has no injured players; the squad will field its most potent lineup, with every player available to begin the game.

Players to watch

Portugal

Rafael Leo 

The AC Milan attacker has been a revelation this season, with his blistering pace and conviction in taking on defenders making him a terrific left-flank player. Portugal seems to have a lot of fresh talent, and Leo will be eager to present his expertise. He is tall and quick, and his footwork makes his job simple. He'll be ready to impress in his World Cup debut.

Ghana

Andre Ayew 

Ayew, one of Ghana's oldest players, will be a threat on the flank; despite being in his 30s, he still has plenty of quickness and will be bestriding pushing forward. Ghana's expectations will be on him, as he is one of the prominent factors which has the ability to influence the outcome of the game.

Head-to-Head

Matches: 1Portugal: 1Draws: 0Ghana: 0

Predicted lineup

Portugal predicted XI (4-3-3):

Costa; Cancelo, Dias, Pepe, Mendes; Neves, Carvalho, Fernandes; Silva, Ronaldo, Leao.

Ghana predicted XI (4-2-3-1):

Ati-Zigi; Lamptey, Amartey, Salisu, Mensah; Partey, Samed; Sulemana, Kudus, J. Ayew; A. Ayew.

Prediction

Other nations must not underestimate Portugal's squad; this time, they are one of the better sides, with highly great players, but the team has yet to play as a unit. Hence the results have been dismal thus far. Once Portugal has identified a perfect blend, they can go all the way in this competition.

If Ghana is looking for guidance, they could watch Saudi Arabia play Argentina; the statistics can be overturned here, and no nation can be ruled out. Ghana has performed admirably in recent matches but will struggle to contend with Portugal's accomplished side.

Prediction: Portugal 3-0 Ghana