World Cup Group H Review

This is the last in the series of the world cup group stage team reviews. The Final group of group H comprises the last 4 teams in this year’s world cup. The first teams have some of the world's greatest-ever players. They are Portugal, Uruguay, Ghana, and South Korea.

Portugal 

Portugal has often flattered to deceive at the World Cup. Despite their vast array of talent, they had only made it further than the last 16 once since 2002, when they finished fourth in Germany in 2006. They are hoping they can go all the way this time. Their key man is Cristiano Ronaldo. His return to Manchester United may not have turned out how he or the fans would have hoped. Still, even though results were average, Ronaldo proved last season that his instinct in front of goal was as sharp as ever, with a tally of 24 goals in 39 appearances in all competitions. Can he take them all the way?

The Pitchsiders View is that they are likely to struggle to make it passed the last 16. They are missing a few players through injury, which will hurt their chances later in this competition. They will likely finish 2nd in the group as they are missing a few players in the attack, which will mean they will score fewer goals. 

Uruguay 

Uruguay has a storied past in the World Cup and remains one of the most successful in its history, winning the inaugural tournament in 1930 before lifting the trophy again in 1950. The South American side finished fourth in 1954, 1970 and 2010, while they also made the quarterfinals in Russia, where they were beaten by eventual winners France, as well as the semi-finals in 2010 following the controversy-laden win over Ghana. Their key man is Luis Suarez. His opportunities over the last year had been few and far between for the former Liverpool and Barcelona star at Atletico Madrid before he returned home to Nacional. Still, he's as crucial now for Uruguay as he ever has been.

The Pitchsider view is that they will win the group. Uruguay has a fantastic team with a world-class forward. If they can work a way to fit both Suarez and Nunez into their starting line-up, they could have an excellent chance to go top of this group and go fair.  

Ghana

Ghana is due to return to the World Cup stage after failing to qualify for the 2018 tournament in Russia. Their best result came in 2010, just their second time at the World Cup, when they reached the quarterfinals before losing to Uruguay in THAT infamous match, where they were a Suarez handball and an Asamoah Gyan penalty away from a place in the last four. Their key man is Thomas Partey. The Arsenal midfielder is his country's standout player but endured a disappointing AFCON in January. Other key players to watch out for are Leicester defender Daniel Amartey and Crystal Palace forward Jordan Ayew. At the same time, they have also been boosted by promising Brighton right-back Tariq Lamptey switching his allegiance from England in July.

The Pitchsider view is they will finish fourth in this group. They will struggle to play against the other teams with the talent on show. However, they could be a surprise and shock a few teams.  

South Korea

Who could forget the South Korean side of 2002, which enjoyed a controversial run to the last four tournaments. This inception of the South Korean team stands little chance of repeating that feat, but they will hope to sneak into the round of 16. They have gone out at the group stage at the last two World Cups and have only progressed to the knockout round once since their heroics of two decades ago. Their Key man is Son Heung-min. The Tottenham star is the difference between South Korea having any chance of emerging from the group stage or crashing out early on. His performances alongside England's Harry Kane have been impressive again this season, but now he needs to take that onto the biggest stage.

The Pitchsider View is that they will finish third in this group. They could have a good run and sneak into second of this group; however, both Portugal and Uruguay are too strong for them, but they will win against Ghana. 

Conclusion 

Overall, this could be one of the best groups with three teams who could make it out of this group in South Korea, Portugal, and Uruguay. It will be Uruguay first, followed by Uruguay. However, there is a lot of talent in this group and going to be exciting to watch