With a lot of controversy coming into the tournament surrounding the club career of captain and Portugal’s all-time top goal scorer Cristiano Ronaldo, it is a perfect opportunity to remind the world what this man and Portugal themselves are capable of achieving. Ronaldo (who has 117 goals in 191 goals for his country) will do everything in his power to add the one trophy that is missing from his glittering career – the World Cup. Although, success at any previous WC tournaments have been limited with 3 wins (D5, L5) from their previous 13 games on the big stage.
Without a win from their previous 3 WC openers, it’s imperative that they break this run to give Portuguese fans any hope of progression in the tournament. There is no better opportunity, coming up against the lowest ranked side in the tournament (61st).
As the World Cup has already proven, underdogs can win football matches. This will have to be the same in this one, if Ghana wish to get anything from this one. With Portugal and Uruguay favourites to progress, they have to be able to get at least a point from this to stand any chance. The fact that Ghana missed out on the 2018 World Cup may give them motivation to embrace the opportunity and cause, yet another Qatar upset. Any chances Ghana create will need to land to Inaki Williams, who is known in the Spanish league for pace and finishing ability and will look to turn his reputation at club level into positive performances for his country.
With Portugal missing a couple of their attacking talents, such as Diogo Jota, it adds more pressure on the likes of Ronaldo to deliver – something the Number 7 has thrived on his whole career.
It has to be a Portugal victory in this one, but I don’t expect a goal fest.
Score Prediction: 2-0
Bet Prediction: Portugal Win – 4/11
