By Sam Cook
Ghana
World Ranking 61
Best ever World Cup Finish- Quarter Finals 2010
Manager- Otto Addo
Strengths of the Squad
Ghana’s main weapon would be their veteran strike force with the Ayew brothers having combined for almost 200 caps and being the most familiar names to a lot of Premier League fans. They’ve also been able to add Inaki Williams who has decided to represent his parent’s home country after being previously involved in the Spanish youth setup. Funnily enough his younger brother has received a call up for the Spanish side. The Ghanains have their own up and coming superstar though in the shape of Mohammed Kudus of Ajax who has bagged 4 in the Champions League this season, and also scored in both of the Black Stars most recent competitive matches (AFCON qualifiers against Madagascar and Central Africa).
Weaknesses of the Squad
There is a serious lack of depth in their midfield, outside of Arsenal’s Thomas Partey they’re incredibly limited. In fact their midfield has basically no household names apart from the Arsenal man. He’s the senior player in that midfield as well at 29 with 7 of the 10 selected midfielders being aged 23 or younger. Playing in a group against a team with a veteran midfield like Portugal or an incredibly talented and young Uruguay makes me think they will struggle to get a foothold in these games.
Star Player
Realistically this could and maybe should be Thomas Partey due to his importance in that middle however I’ve gone for Inaki Williams. I think he brings a different element to this team- not as senior and experienced at international level compared to the Ayews but he offers a different dynamic of explosive pace and direct running. As well as this he can channel that intent properly and at a high level consistently whereas the young attackers tend to be less reliable. He seems to be the perfect balance that links the veteran and youth presence among this side’s attack.
One to Watch
With so many young attacking players it’s hard to actually confirm who will play but for me Kamaldeen Sulemana could be a player who explodes onto the scene even if he is primarily being used from off the bench. Sulemana is a left winger who plays for Rennes in Ligue 1 and his substitute appearances have been exciting to watch and helped put his side in 3rd place. With only 10 games this season and averaging only 26 minutes this tournament could maybe come slightly too early, but in those 26 minutes per game he’s averaging 0.9 shots and he’s clearly well thought of having played 11 times for the national team. He joined Rennes from Danish side Nordsjaelland, scoring 14 in 42, which is also where Kudus came through so the pair will link up well.
Predictions
Lots of people will want Ghana to do well as they seem to always be a favourite of the neutrals and even more will want them to avenge their infamous quarter final defeat to Uruguay in the 2010 world cup. They’ll play Uruguay in the last of the group matches in what could be a win to qualify game however for me I think they’re a side that will get played off the park due to midfield deficiencies.
Tips
It’s hard to find value for a team you expect to come 3rd or 4th in their group, backing them to come 4th feels a 50/50 punt and the price of 6/5 reflects that in comparison to South Korea’s 11/10 price. Instead I’m taking Kamaldeen to be the side’s top scorer at a price of 16/1 with his sub appearances (5 subs can be used at this tournament) seeing him bag a couple.
Portugal
World Ranking 9
Best ever World Cup Finish- 3rd Place 1966
Manager- Fernando Santos
Strengths of the Squad
Some will point to the media man Ronaldo as their strength but if we’re all being honest he shouldn’t even be in the starting eleven but I think the ego and pressure may lead veteran coach Santos to play him regardless. As a result the attack can’t be a strength in my opinion but I think their defence is hugely underrated. Premier League fans will know Ruben Dias and how much he transformed Manchester City and he’ll be partnered by either the veteran Pepe or potentially Benfica youngster Antonio Silva. Regardless I expect Dias to steward the back there in front of Porto keeper Diogo Costa (100% should start but worryingly Rui Patricio has been given the number 1 jersey) and flanked by the best full back in the world, Joao Cancelo, and one of the brightest talented Nuno Mendes who’s performed brilliantly this season at PSG.
Weaknesses of the Squad
As mentioned I think a weakness could be Rui Patrricio if he’s given the nod, he may have experience but Wolves were happy to move on and I think Santos should as well as he hasn’t impressed at Roma. New Wolves man Jose Sa hasn’t been as good this season as the last whereas Diogo Costa, at only 23, has been one of the standout keepers in Europe this season keeping 6 clean sheets in 13 in the league, more impressively 3 of 6 in the Champions League whilst saving an incredible 3 of the 4 penalties he has faced. The decision to play Patricio (playing in the pre tournament friendly at the time of writing) could be critical.
Star Player
The Portuguese side has so many key players from the Premier League and that’s where I’m picking from but it isn’t one of Ronaldo, Bruno or even Bernardo. Instead I think Joao Cancelo could be the man for Portugal at this tournament- whether he assumes his natural right back position ahead of Dalot, or if he’s shifted to left back where he’s been excellent for the past two years ahead of Mendes, one thing is for certain and that’s his attacking intent. Cancelo has become an assist master at City but does the same for the national team, even getting on the score sheet quite frequently. In qualifying and also the recent Nations Leagues games he scored 2 goals and had 3 assists. More important is how the right back works under Santos- they effectively become a further midfielder or even winger, similar to how he operates at city and I think on account of this he could get himself on the score sheet once or twice this tournament.
One to Watch
It’s hard to advise on players to look out for in these established teams where everyone plays for a top side but I think the shout could be for Rafael Leao who may occupy the role up front or on the left. Portugal have an embarrassment of riches in attack with Benfica’s Ramos, Atletico’s Felix and Leao all being aged 23 or younger but I favour the Milan man to make an impact. With 10 goal contributions already in 14 league games he’s backing up his breakout season that had seen double digit goals and assists on Milan’s way to winning the title. Priced at 6/1 to be top scorer from the Italian league (EW 1/5 3 places) I think he’s certainly worth a look even if it is only EW.
Predictions
I’ve hinted already that I think Santos may make personnel mistakes by favouring veteran players over youth and because of this I don’t have Portugal going through as group winners. I expect them to finish 2nd behind Uruguay, who they play in their second match, and if that is the case then they would likely face Brazil in the round of 16 which I think would very abruptly end their campaign.
Tips
I’ve already stated that I think Leao as Serie A leading scorer is great value at 6/1- when you look at the competitors he faces Inter Milan rivals Romelu Lukaku and Lautaro Martinez, both playing for sides I forecast to advance further than Portugal however aside from that pairing competition is limited. Dusan Vlahovic could play a part for Serbia but I think the group game against South Korea being played in match day 3 helps Leao a lot as Portugal will be going all out to qualify and I expect him to produce.
South Korea
World Ranking 28
Best ever World Cup Finish- 4th place 2002
Manager- Paulo Bento
Strengths of the Squad
The strength of this team has to be their attack with the two elite striking options both being Premier League players. Son Heung-min has flourished in the Prem and all fans will be familiar with him although he will be entering the tournament with a fractured eye socket but this shouldn’t be too much of a detriment. Hwang Hee-chan hasn’t taken over the league quite like Son has but he’s still an experienced player with 9 goals in his 49 appearances but more importantly he provided 3 assists during qualification,
Weaknesses of the Squad
A lot of the side play in the South Korean league and quite simply don’t have the calibre to go head to head with some of the world’s best. Recent results haven’t been on their side either, going down 5-1 to Brazil and needing an 86th minute equaliser to avoid defeat against Costa Rica. They’ve put together back to back 1-0 wins since then vs Iceland and Cameroon but the lack of quality throughout the squad is a major concern.
Star Player
He needs no introduction and produced his best season to date at Spurs last year winning the Golden Boot alongside Mo Salah. He won that at a very big price but he’s an even larger price and will find it almost impossible to win at this tournament as his 80/1 odds suggest. He captains the side at this tournament and is by far the most experienced player with 35 goals in his 104 appearances and 2 goals would see him go outright 3rd highest ever scorer, goals he’ll target in matchday 2 against Ghana having scored in his last game against African opposition.
One to Watch
Fans of the Champions League or the Serie A will know this fella and its Napoli centre back Kim Min-jae. The 26 year old made the move from Asia to play for Fenerbache last season and impressed enough to get the current Italian league leaders to spend £16.8 million on him, to replace Koulibaly, which is looking like a steal. In just his second month for them he earned the accolade of League player of the month and has helped them to an unbeaten start with 6 clean sheets and the 3rd best defence in the league. He’s brilliant in the air so seeing him battle Darwin and maybe Ronaldo will be very interesting.
Predictions
As wonderful as Son is and the assist factor of Hwang in this side I just don’t see them progressing at all. They face Uruguay in their first game who are an ageing side defensively but who have a superior midfield and I expect the South Koreans to be passed off the park, they then face Ghana which is where they will have to pick up points before Portugal, They will have a slight insight as their manager did coach the Selecao up until 2014 however I don’t see a route for them to qualify and nor do the bookies pricing them 9/4 to make the round of 16 or better. It is worth noting they knocked out holders Germany and progressed to the round of 16 last time.
Tips
Elimination in the group stage is priced at 2/7 and whilst it’s maybe not a bet for singles it could be worth doubling or trebling them with some of the other minnows. I think group goals band betting could be the pick with 2-3 goals priced at evens.
Uruguay
World Ranking 14
Best ever World Cup Finish- Champions 1930 & 1950
Manager- Diego Alonso
Strengths of the Squad
I think these are the dark horses of the tournament and so I could make a case for all areas of the squad being strengths however the clear standout would be their midfield. It’s expected that they will play a 433 with that midfield 3 consisting of Rodrigo Bentancur, Fede Valverde and then likely one of Lucas Torreira, Matias Vecino or maybe even a more attacking option like Flamengo’s De Arrascaeta. Anyone who has seen Spurs this season knows how good Bentancur has been and the pedigree he has whereas Valverde has been the star of a Real Madrid side that is packed with talent. Partner the all round ability of that midfield with the experience of Suarez/Cavani and the explosive power of Darwin Nunez and it becomes clear why they’re an easy side to favour as a dark horse.
Weaknesses of the Squad
This would be their ageing defence and whilst it's packed full of experience you question how old is too old for a centre back pairing. The 2018 world cup saw Russia play 39 year old Sergei Ignashevich but Uruguay could be relying in two of veterans Diego Godin (36), Martin Caceres (35) or Sebastien Coates (32) as star centre half Ronald Araujo (23) of Barcelona is carrying an injury. He has been included, and has transformed Barcelona’s defence into one that has conceded only 5 in 14 league games, so they’ll be hoping he truly is fit because the pace that the Ghanain attack possess and the skill of some of the Portuguese players could tie those older legs of Godin, Caceres and Coates in knots.
Star Player
I found this hard to split between Darwin Nunez, who I expect to be their top scorer (priced at a huge 9/4), and the man I have selected which is Fede Valverede who I’ve punted on as Golden Ball (player of the tournament) at a price of 66/1. The midfield maestro has been unbelievable for Real Madrid and can play in so many positions as well. Liverpool fans may remember he operated on the right wing for much of the Champions League final last year and provided the cross for Vinicius’ winning goal. Upon gaining a lead he dropped into midfield and operated brilliantly defensively and at retaining possession. Under new coach Alonso, appointed December 2021 and won 4 of 4 to qualify for the World Cup, he has played in a central attacking role but also as part of a midfield three. Either way I think he’s going to be the string puller offensively and he won’t shirk his defence duties. This could be the crowning of a star and the official passing of the torch from Modric to a new midfield maestro at Madrid.
One to Watch
I really like Giorgian de Arrascaeta and expect him to play more meaningful minutes than my pick, but at 28 and still playing in South America he might be a player who never transitions to Europe. Instead I’ll pick Manchester United youngster Facundo Pellistri, who I think may operate from the bench but he has the ability to change games when he does come on. He did actually start all 3 of their 4 most recent competitive qualifiers and operates off the right wing providing balls into the forward men as he hugs the touchline. He’s only made 7 national team appearances and seemingly is out of favour with Ten Hag, but Alonso’s selection of him in spite of no club appearances this season show what a special talent he is.
Predictions
I think Uruguay are primed to win this group and make a very serious run towards the final. Priced at 2/1 to win their group I think that’s amazing value and I can foresee them using the combination of possession based play, counter attacking speed of Nunez, and the stout resolute tough tackling defence to match up against any style of opponent. Qualifying as group winners will be imperative though because they’re scheduled to play Group G qualifiers which will likely be Brazil, a side they haven’t defeated since 2001 despite playing them 12 times. If they win their group as I expect I think the quarter finals (9/4 to make the QF) is very achievable and potentially further.
Tips
As stated I’m backing them to win the group at 2s, I think QF is realistic but the price isn't there for me. Instead I’ll take them to go one better and make the semis at 13/2. Nunez at 9/4 for top team scorer is incredible and for top Premier League scorer (1/4 4 places EW) at 14s he’s hard to ignore with Kane the only clear rival, if you fancy him for the whole tournament top scorer he’s 40/1.
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