The Black Stars of Ghana are looking forward to a bright start to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar by defeating Portugal in a Group H game at the Stadium 974 in Doha on Thursday, November 24. This is going to be the second meeting between the two nations in World Cup history, the first one being in June 2014 in Brazil, where the Portuguese won 2-1. The Black Stars have been very poor in 2022, with just three wins and four draws in the 13 games. There seems to be a bit of hope as the introduction of six new players including Tariq Lamptey of Brighton in England, Inaki Williams of Atletico Bilbao in Spain, Mohammed Salisu of Southampton, Samed Salis of Lens, Antoine Semenyo of Bristol Rovers and a host of others have made the team very formidable. Ghana put up a superb performance as they beat Switzerland 2-0 on November 17 in their final friendly game before the World Cup. Portugal on the other hand have not been at their maximum best. They recorded a host of defeats against the likes of Switzerland, Spain and Serbia in their previous games. In terms of appearances at the World Cup, this is going to be Portugal's eighth tournament. They made their debut in 1966, in England, and finished third in that competition which is their best output so far. Ghana on the other hand, after many years of struggling, finally qualified for the World Cup for the first time in 2006. They made it also in 2010 when they reached the quarter finals and also in 2014 when they failed to progress beyond the group stages. This is going to be the fourth time Portugal is facing an African opponent in the World Cup, and they have never lost. They beat Angola 1-0 in 2016, drew 0-0 with Cote D'Ivoire in 2010, and defeated Ghana 2-1 in 2014. The Black Stars have been very unpredictable against European teams at the World Cup. In 2006, they lost 2-0 to eventual winners Italy in their first Group game before defying all odds to beat Czech Republic, then ranked number 2 in the FIFA world ranking 2-0. In 2010, Ghana beat Serbia 1-0 in their opening match whereas they lost 1-0 to Germany in the last Group game. 2014 saw Ghana drawing 2-2 with winners Germany in the second group game before losing 2-1 to Portugal. Coaches and Tactics: Otto Addo (Ghana) Concerning tactics, Ghana's coach, Otto Addo, who was born in Germany but represented the Black Stars at senior level prefers 3:4:3 and 4:2:3:1 formations. Fernando Santos (Portugal) The 68-year-old tactician has a rich level of experience at the highest level having handled FC Porto, Sporting Lisbon, Benfica and the Greek national team previously. Santos is one of the few coaches in Europe who uses the 4:1:4:1 formation. He is well versed in the system and anytime it works out, he annihilate his opponent. With this formation, he plays his skipper Cristiano Ronaldo as the lone ranger upfront due to his pace, agility and eye for goal. Players to watch: Andre Ayew (Ghana) The son of three times African footballer of the year Abedi Pele is the heart and soul of the Black Stars. Ayew who is the skipper of the team has already appeared in two World Cups (2010 and 2014) scoring two goals and providing one assist. Ayew who plays for Qatar champions Al Sadd is Ghana's all time most capped player at senior level with a total of 110 appearances scoring 23 goals. Thomas Partey (Ghana) The Arsenal central midfielder has been in great form at club level this season and he is among the reasons the Gunners are on top of the EPL table. Partey hasn't played much games for Ghana this year but has been very instrumental anytime he is on the field. His goal against Nigeria in Abuja ensured that Ghana qualified to the 2022 World Cup. Partey has made a total of 40 appearances for Ghana scoring 13 goals since his debut against Mauritius in 2016. Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) The skipper of the Portuguese team, Ronaldo has a total of 191 caps at senior level scoring 117 goals since 2003. He is the main player in attack and the team is definitely on his shoulders. If Ronaldo gets his day, expect Portugal to kill the game. Bruno Fernandes (Portugal) A hugely talented attacking midfielder, Fernandes will play as a number 10 just behind Ronaldo. He is an exceptional passer and has flair as well as vision. On any day, one magical moment from Fernandes can decide the outcome of a game.
