Ghana President Nana Akufo-Addo informed the Black Stars that “everyone in Ghana is behind them” as they prepare to face Portugal in Group H.
Most the attention will no doubt be on Portugal following Captain Cristiano Ronaldo’s controversial interview with TV Presenter Piers Morgan.
The now former Manchester United forward has said he is “totally convinced” that his recent actions will have no impact on his side.
Embed from Getty ImagesPortugal come into the game as favourites due to the host of world-class talent available to them, including Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva and AC Milan winger Rafael Leao.
But they will have to be wary of the threat posed by their opponents with the likes of Thomas Partey, Inaki Williams and Ajax youngster Mohammed Kudus all in the squad.
Athletic Bilbao forward Williams has recently set a record of 237 consecutive appearances in La Liga.
The two sides only previous meeting was in the 2014 World Cup with Portugal edging it 2-1 via Ronaldo’s 80thminute winner.
My Prediction
Despite being the lowest ranked side in the tournament, Ghana will look to rely on Partey’s ability to screen the back four and get the ball to Kudus quickly in transitions. The Ajax midfielder is by far the Black Stars most creative player, but I sadly think Portugal will have a bit too much for them in the end.
Portugal to win 2-1.
Lineups
Portugal; Diogo Costa, Joao Cancelo, Ruben Dias, Danilo Pereira, Raphael Guerreiro, Ruben Neves, Bruno Fernandes, Otavio, Bernardo Silva, Joao Felix, Cristiano Ronaldo
Ghana; Lawrence Ati-Zigi, Alidu Seidu, Alexander Djiku, Daniel Amartey, Mohammed Salisu, Baba Rahman, Mohammed Kudus, Thomas Partey, Salis Abdul Samed, Andre Ayew, Inaki Williams
Who do you fancy to qualify from Group H?
