Match previews for the first two games in Groups G and H as the opening round of the Group Stage at 2022 FIFA World Cup concludes.
Title favourites, Brazil begin their title in a tight Group H which contains Serbia, Switzerland and Cameroon, whilst Portugal and Uruguay look to hit the ground running in Group G against Ghana and South Korea respectively.
Now, here is a guide to my predictions for how all four matches will unfold.
Switzerland vs Cameroon (Group G)
Having qualified automatically for this World Cup in a tricky group containing Euro champions – Italy, Switzerland certainly will be eager to get their World Cup campaign off to a flier such has been their impressive form in recent tournaments.
The Swiss also do contain plenty of top defensive and attacking talent although Granit Xhaka should their key player, given his form for Arsenal and box-to-box ability, which should certainly pose a problem for Cameroon to try and handle.
Cameroon though are Group G’s underdogs and do possess Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo, who has the potential to be a surprise threat if he is able to showcase his talent as seen at club level already.
I though just can’t see them beating a robust Switzerland team who should have enough to get the job done, ahead of two tricky matches against Brazil and Serbia respectively.
Prediction: Switzerland 2-0 Cameroon
Result: Switzerland 1-0 Cameroon
Uruguay vs South Korea (Group H)
Both teams enter this match with a solid chance at qualification for the knockout stage, which should be of particular interest for Tottenham fans as Rodrigo Bentancur and Son Heung-min now face each other for Uruguay and South Korea respectively.
Uruguay though have to be favourites such is their form this year and quality talent throughout the squad, whilst Luis Suarez and Edinson are still in excellent form in the twilight days of their career but their midfield is also looking strong coming into this game.
South Korea meanwhile are an ever-present team at the World Cup but have several players heading into this game out of form, which is a huge concern because this is a must-win game for their qualifcation prospects.
On that basis, I believe that Uruguay should have enough quality to overwhelm this South Korean team rather comfortably, although it wouldn’t be surprising if Son can nick a goal on his return to action after suffering a fractured eye socket.
Prediction: Uruguay 2-1 South Korea
Result: Uruguay 0-0 South Korea
Portugal vs Ghana (Group H)
Despite the on-going drama surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo amidst his acriminous departure from Manchester United, Portugal enter this tournament as outside favourites in a favourable group but team spirit will be important if they’re to lay down a marker in their quest for a first World Cup title.
Portugal’s form also hasn’t exactly been impressive with two 4-0 wins and 1-0 defeats from their last four games respectively, although I do expect them to knuckle down now and deliver what they’re capable of if can park Ronaldo’s off-pitch dramas for 90 minutes.
Ghana meanwhile are returning after an eight-year absence but haven’t enjoyed strong form this year, which isn’t ideal coming into this match but they should have enough talent to cause some issues although Mohamed Salisu could be a weakness if he isn’t on form defensively.
Either way, Portugal in my eyes should have too much for Ghana who will need to be pitch perfect to get anything from this game.
Prediction: Portugal 3-0 Ghana
Result: Portugal 3-2 Ghana
Brazil vs Serbia (Group G)
With both teams battling Switzerland for a qualification spot for the knockout stage, this is the blockbuster clash of the day personally for me because defeat could be costly come end of the final round of Group G games.
Brazil enter this tournament as favourites with their star-studded squad containing players like Ederson, Casemiro and Neymar, so I am expecting them to come out and produce an aggressive attack-minded performance such is the pace and finishing quality that they possess.
Serbia therefore will need to be defensively wary and at their clinical best to counter this Brazil team, whilst their midfield do tend to dictate games and wingers can create high crosses, so a positive start and quick seize of control will be vital to the outcome of this match.
Aleksandar Mitrovic and Dusan Vlahovic meanwhile have had a strong year up front but enter this tournament with knocks, which could mean a tactical change with one lone striker up front and extra reinforcement either in midfield or defence to counter Brazil.
Tactics therefore feel extremely crucial to the outcome of what hopefully will be a thrilling battle but Brazil should have too much depth and quality in the end.
Prediction: Brazil 2-1 Serbia
Result: Brazil 2-0 Serbia
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