Uruguay, Portugal, Ghana, and South Korea are placed in Group H. Portugal, alongside Uruguay, are expected to fight it out to win the group.
Follow Us
The Qatar 2022 World Cup kicks off on November 20 at the Al Bayt Stadium, with the hosts facing Ecuador in Group A. The tournament was scheduled to begin the following day with Senegal’s match against the Netherlands at Al Thumama Stadium, but Qatar’s game was moved up to allow them to play the curtain raiser of the tournament.
Read More: FIFA World Cup 2022: Group G SWOT Analysis
Uruguay, Portugal, Ghana, and South Korea are all placed in Group H. Portugal, with the quality on the pitch, will be eyeing to bag the group, while Uruguay will also be fighting for the same spot. Ghana is a promising team that could be deemed as a Giant killer in Group H, while South Korea will also give their opposition a run in Qatar. Here’s a breakdown of each team’s strengths, weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats.
| Countries | Continents |
|---|---|
| Portugal | Europe |
| Uruguay | South America |
| South Korea | Asia |
| Ghana | Africa |
Strengths – Portugal’s form heading into Qatar has been clumsy, but even though Ronaldo has been written off recently, the big man, the ultimate goal scorer, has to be Portugal’s biggest attacking strength. With Jota and others ruled out, Ronaldo could be the man to lead Portugal deeper into the tournament. Portugal has a well-balanced team with strong offensive and defensive capabilities and is expected to win the group.
Weaknesses – The team’s Euro performance, as well as their poor performance in qualifying for the Nations League’s last four, has held them back. The confidence is very low, and the quality of players in their arsenal may jeopardize their chances of progressing further in the tournament. However, they are expected to win the group.
Opportunities – Porgutal’s best campaign came in the 1966 World Cup in the United Kingdom, where they finished third, and they will be looking to improve on that performance this time around in Qatar.
Threats – Portugal must deal with an intelligent, interesting, and varied bunch in the dedicated. If the team finishes second in Group H, they may face Brazil in the round of 16, which could potentially ruin their chances of progressing further in the tournament.
Strengths – Uruguay’s defense is as solid as they come, and with World Class midfielders on their roster, they could pose a threat to Portugal. Uruguay has good players in front of the goal as well, and if the team can find the right balance, they could spring in a few results and carry the momentum to have a deeper run in Qatar.
Weaknesses – Uruguay have suffered a slew of injuries, which hasn’t helped their cause, and the team’s constant formation chances, chopping, and changing of players has let them down in some areas. When the team uses a back three, they become extremely vulnerable and may start leaking goals.
Opportunities – Uruguay have a strong defensive line and World Class midfielders like Valverde and Bentancur, who are dominating European football, and the South American side has a chance to win their third FIFA World Cup after winning it twice in 1930 and 1950.
Threats – Uruguay are one of the most difficult teams to predict due to their own issues as well as the group’s fiercely equitable nature. Though doubting his ability is a crime, does he still have the ability to deliver as their lone out-and-out striker on the biggest stage?
Strengths – The Ghana camp’s greatest strength is its ability to gel and play solid football with a lot of high pressing and energy for long periods. Ghana’s adaptable approach should give them an advantage because they can switch structures depending on the opposition, adding variety to their tactics.
Weaknesses – Ghana’s record against big teams is concerning, as is their overall record. Their AFCON group stage exit was unexpected, and a loss of trust and dent in confidence as well as a sudden change in strategy, could derail their Cup run.
Opportunities – Ghana’s best World Cup campaign came in the 2010 edition, which was held in South Africa, and the African side will be looking to deliver once again in Qatar.
Threats – With a slump in form and only three wins in 13 games, Ghana is unlikely to survive and navigate their way out of this Group, including Portugal and Uruguay.
Strengths – South Korea’s strongest asset undoubtedly emerges from one of its thrilling stars, Son. Heung-min has indeed stated his commitment to performing well in this World Cup, especially after a dismal performance last time. Kim Min-Jae and Hwang Hee-chan are among the capable European-based supporting cast members.
Weaknesses – The Asian continent’s only weakness is that the squad is overly reliant on Son to perform in every match. The defensive line is also a minor concern, and the team’s usual approach is conservative, which could actually backfire in such a tough group.
Opportunities – South Korea’s tenth consecutive World Cup appearance is the longest by a team outside Europe and South America, and it has a decent opportunity to bag some good wins with quality players in the team
Threats – The main threat is Son’s over-reliance, and the team will expect others to chip in time and again with a difficult group in this edition of the World Cup in Qatar.
