Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal will kick off their 2022 World Cup campaign when they come up against a youthful Ghana side at Stadium 974 in Doha on Thursday.
Group H consists of Portugal, Ghana, Uruguay and South Korea, with the top two teams advancing to the round of 16.
Portugal will come into this fixture high in confidence after they hammered Nigeria 4-0 in an international friendly match through a brace by Bruno Fernandes and goals from Gonçalo Ramos and João Mário at the Estádio José Alvalade XXI.
Ghana, meanwhile, come into this game off the back of a comfortable 2-0 win over Switzerland when Mohammed Salisu and Antoine Semenyo found the back of the net at the Zayed Sports City Stadium.
Portugal head coach Fernando Santos was no doubt asked to comment on Ronaldo’s controversial interview with Piers Morgan.
“Cristiano, like all the players I’ve called up, is hugely hungry to show his abilities,” said Santos.
“Is Ronaldo hungrier (because of the interview)? Let’s wait and see.
“He’s always been hungry, that’s why he stayed at the top of football for so long.
“I’m not interested in the situation a month ago. He has played four games for Manchester United since.”
The two teams have met once before in the World Cup when Portugal secured a 2-1 win over Ghana in group stage during the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
Ronaldo will look to continue his form for Portugal and prove his doubters wrong. He will be more hungry than ever being that its his last chance to secure the World Cup trophy.
Thomas Partey will be hoping to turn his club form into the national team, having already scored 13 goals in 40 appearances for Ghana since his debut in June 2016.
Portugal’s Form All Competition:
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Ghana’s Form All Competition:
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