Match previews for day nine of 2022 FIFA World Cup as Groups G and H complete the second round of group matches.
In Group G, Brazil and Switzerland meet in the battle to secure qualifcation with one game to spare whilst Cameroon and Serbia both look to keep their dreams alive.
Across in Group H, Portugal face Uruguay in a huge match-up between two outside title contenders with qualification on the line.
South Korea meanwhile meet Ghana in the other Group H game as both teams look to boost their qualification hopes with a win.
Cameroon vs Serbia (Group G)
Despite being the weakest team on paper in Group G, Cameroon surprisingly looked decent in their defeat to Switzerland where wasteful finishing proved their downfall, amidst some excellent defensive recoveries to limit the Swiss attacks.
Serbia meanwhile mounted a stubborn defensive display in their loss to Brazil but were ultimately outdone by a clinical double from Richarlison, although that game was always going to be difficult but their attack does offer hope that they will do well in a game like this which is now a must-win.
I though am feeling like Cameroon will again look to be a difficult team to break down but Serbia do have the attacking quality to get the job done, especially if Aleksandar Mitrovic can find his scoring boots.
Prediction: Cameroon 0-1 Serbia
South Korea vs Ghana (Group H)
South Korea enter this game off the back of an unexpectedly decent performance against Uruguay in which they simply lacked a solid end product, despite showing a competitive attacking edge whilst also nailing their defensive quality.
Ghana meanwhile will be slightly disheartened by their defeat to Portugal but can face South Korea knowing that they possess the attacking intensity and press to cause serious issues, yet their defence were ultimately outplayed despite scoring twice in the closing stages.
This clash though is a must-win for both teams but I wouldn’t be surprised if we see a score draw here between two solid teams.
Prediction: South Korea 1-1 Ghana
Brazil vs Switzerland (Group G)
As Group G favourites, Brazil certainly demonstrated their talent with a confident opening win against Serbia, where they were in control throughout despite being largely wasteful in attack for much of the game after a sluggish start.
Switzerland meanwhile do look like they have been set up on the counter-attack strategy in this group, which certainly worked with a clinical win over Cameroon and they will need the same slice of luck coupled with a strong defence to snatch anything here.
Brazil though are without Neymar but do have enough talent available on the bench like Gabriel Jesus or Vinicus Junior to fill his void, although a better overall performance is required here plus patience to beat Switzerland who won’t make this game easy.
Prediction: Brazil 1-0 Switzerland
Portugal vs Uruguay (Group H)
Amidst controversy surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal didn’t seem too fazed in their clinical win over Ghana with a ruthless second-half performance once they unlocked the African team, despite there being various sloppy moments throughout the game defensively.
Uruguay meanwhile were simply wasteful against South Korea in their opening game despite dominating much of the attack, so a huge improvement will be needed especially depending upon the result of the earlier Group H match.
This clash however should see an all-out attacking battle given the forward talent in both teams, but something in my instinct fancies Portugal to dig out a win to secure a Round of 16 spot.
Prediction: Portugal 2-1 Uruguay