World Cup predictions: Group H

Inform your bets ahead of the 2022 World Cup with a deeper analysis of the teams in Group H and their odds.

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Group H looks like one of the most wide-open groups in the tournament, with Portugal having been drawn against Ghana, Uruguay, and South Korea.

Playing in what is likely to be his last World Cup, Cristiano Ronaldo will be desperate for Portugal to improve on their round of 16 finish four years ago.

Uruguay and South Korea are both inside the top 30 in the world rankings and Ghana, quarter-finalists in 2010, are also capable of springing a surprise.

Odds for Group H

Portugal, currently ranked ninth in the world, are unsurprisingly the favourites to win the group and are available at 1.709 (-141)*.

They are unlikely to have it all their own way, though, and Uruguay, who reached the quarter-finals in 2018, look the most likely challenger to beat Portugal to the top spot, with Diego Alonso’s men available at 2.900 (+190)*.

Despite being the lowest-ranked team at the tournament, Ghana are at 12.030 (+1103)* to top the group and 3.750 (+275)* to qualify for the knockout stage.

Meanwhile, South Korea – playing in their 10th consecutive World Cup – are at 13.040 (+1204)* to finish top of Group H and 3.550 (-255)* to qualify for the round of 16.

Key players in Group H

Ronaldo has been a focal point for the Portugal team ever since he made his debut in 2003, with the Manchester United star his country’s leading goalscorer and appearance-maker.

The 37-year-old is preparing to play in his fifth World Cup finals, with Portugal’s best finish during that time being fourth back in 2006.

Losing Diogo Jota to injury is a big setback for Portugal, but they still have plenty of quality in their squad including Wolves midfielder Rúben Neves, Atlético Madrid forward João Félix, and Manchester City pair Rúben Dias and João Cancelo.

Uruguay have an interesting mix of youth and experience which could make them very dangerous in Qatar. The likes of Diego Godín, Luis Suárez, and Edinson Cavani are veterans on the international stage, while young stars Federico Valverde and Facundo Pellistri could shine.

South Korea have been hit by injury concerns over their main man ahead of the tournament after Son Heung-min was forced to undergo an operation on his face. The Tottenham ace is in a race against time to be fit and if he doesn’t make it, the pressure to supply the goals is likely to land on Olympiacos forward Hwang Ui-jo.

Meanwhile, Ghana’s hopes rest with what is a solid midfield, led by Arsenal’s Thomas Partey and including the likes Iddrisu Baba of Mallorca and Ajax’s Mohammed Kudus.

Predictions for Group H

Portugal look strong enough to qualify in one of the top two places, but the other spot is up for grabs and is likely to be between Uruguay and Ghana.

The big question is whether some of Uruguay’s experienced names can still perform at this level or if the younger Ghana squad can live up to their tag as the dangerous outsiders. Portugal 2.060 (+106)* are the favourites to beat Uruguay 3.800 (+280)* when they meet.

A lot depends on the fitness of Son Heung-min as to whether South Korea can join the other two in fighting for the remaining qualifying spot, as without him it seems unlikely. The odds are rather tight when South Korea 2.710 (+171)* meet Ghana 2.880 (+188)*.

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And don't forget to read more previews and predicitions in our Betting Resources hub where you can find in-depth analysis of each team competing in Qatar.

*Odds subject to change

 

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