This last group will be odd and potentially awkward. A lot will be centered around Portugal with Cristiano Ronaldo’s situation with Manchester United. Not sure if this will cause a distraction, but Portugal players shouldn’t worry about the situation. Ghana returns to the World Cup, but they’re less of a threat than their 2010 squad. If they can find their touch on defense, they could play spoiler in the group. Uruguay has experience, including veterans spanning from 2010, that should clear the group and contend for the semifinals. South Korea spoiled Germany by dragging them out of the group stage. Some of those players return to do more than play spoiler in the group.

PORTUGAL (9)

PREVIOUS APPEARANCES (8TH APPEARANCE)/LAST APPEARANCE (2018)

FARTHEST IN LAST APP. (ROUND OF 16 IN 2018)

Portugal was an alright squad from the last tournament, but they’re anything but consistent. Ronaldo’s performance is in and out at times and they need players like William Carvalho to step up his performance. Defense shouldn’t be an issue, but offensive consistency and a competent scorer like Cristiano Ronaldo could really help Portugal advance the group stage.

GHANA (61)

PREVIOUS APPEARANCES (4TH APPEARANCE)/LAST APPEARANCE (2014)

FARTHEST IN LAST APP. (DIDN’T ADVANCE IN 2014)

Ghana is back after not qualifying for the 2018 World Cup. This is a completely different squad after losing plenty that were a part of the quarterfinals in 2010. It’s unclear if Ghana will be that same team that played physical and had a strong defense to counteract even the toughest of opponents. We must wait and see what this squad will do in this group.

URUGUAY (14)

PREVIOUS APPEARANCES (14TH APPEARANCE)/LAST APPEARANCE (2018)

FARTHEST IN LAST APP. (QUARTERFINALS IN 2018)

Uruguay is up there with Belgium in terms of returns on the roster that includes Luis Suarez, Martin Carceres, and Edinson Cavani. This squad has final four aspirations and shouldn’t have any complications advancing the group stage. Ghana is a completely different team, South Korea could be better but not at the level of Uruguay, and Portugal is inconsistent.

KOREA REPUBLIC (S. KOREA) (28)

PREVIOUS APPEARANCES (11TH APPEARANCE)/LAST APPEARANCE (2018)

FARTHEST IN LAST APP. (DIDN’T ADVANCE IN 2018)

South Korea appears in their sixth straight World Cup and are looking for their first knockout stage appearance since 2010. The 2018 squad saw the exit in the group stage, but they shocked the world by dragging Germany down with them. It should be a confidence builder, especially since Son Heung-Min will be there again. Their defense could also be the difference against Portugal and Ghana that are suspect on offense.

MATCHUPS:

GROUP MATCH 14: URUGUAY VS. SOUTH KOREA (NOVEMBER 24TH)

GROUP MATCH 15: PORTUGAL VS. GHANA (NOVEMBER 24TH)

GROUP MATCH 30: SOUTH KOREA VS. GHANA (NOVEMBER 28TH)

GROUP MATCH 32: PORTUGAL VS. URUGUAY (NOVEMBER 28TH)

GROUP MATCH 45: GHANA VS. URUGUAY (DECEMBER 2ND)

GROUP MATCH 46: SOUTH KOREA VS. PORTUGAL (DECEMBER 2ND)

WHO SURVIVES THE GROUP:

URUGUAY

Uruguay has the talent and experience to outplay all three of their opponents to reach the knockout stage. Unless something unfortunate happens during group play, expect Uruguay to win the group.

SOUTH KOREA

The Asian Tigers could play spoiler. It comes down to their offensive efficiency, but their improved defense should give them an opportunity to win one of their group matchups. If they draw with Portugal, it’ll already be a win for them.

RESULTS

URUGUAY 9 POINTS

SOUTH KOREA 4 POINTS

PORTUGAL 2 POINTS

GHANA 1 POINT