Portugal – Ghana

The favourite will confidently prove its advantage

Two days before Portugal's opening Group H game against Ghana, Cristiano Ronaldo continued his role as the top newsmaker of the autumn. "The Mancunian football icon has officially terminated his contract with Manchester United, bringing to a logical conclusion a string of scandals with the club. Meanwhile, bookmakers did not believe the news would in any way affect Portugal's World Cup prospects, leaving them in eighth place on the list of title contenders at odds of 15. The European Brazilians approach the game against Ghana as clear favourites, with odds of around 1.40 to win. Portugal have come a long way to the World Cup. In Group A of the European qualifiers, Serbia became too "tough a nut" for Ronaldo and company, leading to only one point in two games against this rival and a finish in second place in the group. In the playoffs, Portugal were drawn in the same group as Italy but it was northern Macedonia who saved them from facing Mancini's side in the final by beating them in the semi-finals. In fact, by defeating the Northern Macedonians in the play-off final, Ronaldo had the last chance of his career to become global champion. The Portuguese finished second in the Nations League A group in the second half of this year, missing out on a trip to the Final Four with Spain. Ghana qualified for the 2022 FIFA World Cup with their second African group stage. The side finished runners-up to South Africa in Group G with the same number of points, only to be bowled out for extra points. In the play-offs, the Ghanaians also had a tough time. Against Nigeria, there were two draws, and Ghana's success was due to the away goal rule. The African side had two interesting friendlies in the autumn. The Ghanaian players lost to the Brazilians 0-3, but confidently defeated Switzerland 2-0. Of course, the Ghana national team can already show their teeth in the opening game of Group H. However, the athleticism, diligence and discipline may not be enough against the Portuguese "machine". We're betting that Portugal will get the expected win.