By beating Switzerland, Ghana may have dispatched one of the favourites to win the World Cup - but they will still have to be at their best if they are to get past Portugal in the Group H opener on Thursday.
Portugal almost missed out on the trip to Qatar after losing to Serbia in the final group qualifying match in the 90th minute, which saw it finish second and drop into a nervy playoff. But Portugal withstood the pressure with wins over Turkey and North Macedonia to qualify for its eighth World Cup.
They have plenty of players capable of causing real problems for a Ghana side who are only just getting themselves going this Winter.
Here's kickgh.com's run-through of who to keep an eye on on Thursday
Rafael Leão
Leão has always been a mature athlete, and his athletic profile provides a high floor for his skillset. Not only is he quite tall and lean, he has a great burst and top-end speed to match, making him a very dynamic forward. He’s also added muscle to his physique as he’s grown. All in all, Leão is a multi-faceted athlete.
In terms of his playstyle and skillset, Leão typically plays off the left in senior football – having developed as a centre-forward at youth level – and offers a dynamic presence in the forward line. He stretches and disrupts defences with his movements, with and without the ball.
Leão is a prolific and proficient dribbler; he drives powerfully from deep then beats players in one-v-one situations around the box with skill and changes of speed.
He doesn’t offer much in terms of a passing threat, but he gets into good positions inside the box off dribbles and movement – that’s his primary quality. He has also improved as a finisher, making more of the areas he gets into.
Cristiano Ronaldo
Despite being released by Manchester United on Tuesday, Ronaldo is expected to go all out in what will likely be the star’s last chance at the World Cup.
His impressive log of 117 goals (international men’s record) from 191 international appearances (Portuguese record) should only grow in Qatar.
In addition to his storied accomplishments, the 37-year-old could become the first men’s player to score at five World Cups (Marta has accomplished the feat for the Brazilian women’s team).
Bruno Fernandes
This world cup will be special for Bruno Fernandes and Portugal would expect this Manchester United star to fire in Qatar. He would be the biggest asset for the success of Portugal in the World Cup.
He has been outstanding since his move to Premier League. He was the leading goal-scorer when Man United finished second in the table, scoring 28 goals.
Fernandes recently signed a new contract with his club which will keep him at Manchester United until June 2026. Bruno played a big role in Portugal’s triumph in the inaugural Nations League.
For his performances throughout the competition, he was named in the “Team of the Tournament”. He has appeared for 48 times in Portugal’s outfit and netted nine goals.
Fernandes will be the key to unlocking opposing defenses and unleashing an attack that, on paper, looks like one of the tournament’s scariest.
Rúben Dias
The defender is a staple in the Portugal defense and has emerged as one of the world’s best central defenders after an incredible 2020-21 season with Manchester City.
That year, Dias was named the Premier League Player of the Year as well as the UEFA Champions League Defender of the Year.
While Portugal has excellent fullbacks in João Cancelo and Nuno Mendes, Dias is a leader at the back who combines great tactical awareness and impressive passing skills with a commanding physical presence.
