Sports

The Scout: World Cup Matchday 13 Preview, 2 Dec

Group H – South Korea v Portugal

A devastated Korea will have to pick themselves up from the narrow loss to Ghana as only a win will do in this game. Hwang Hee-chan’s hamstring continues to keep him out and changes are likely to be kept to a minimum. Son Heung-min and Cho Gue-sung, who netted twice in the last outing, will be the main attacking threats.

The outcome depends a lot on what sort of team Portugal put out. They have already qualified so may rest Cristiano Ronaldo who missed training on Wednesday. Otavio, Danilo Pereira and Nuno Mendes are all doubtful, but Rafael Leao, Goncalo Ramos and Matheus Nunes could get their chance to impress.

DRAW @ $3.80*


Group H – Ghana v Uruguay

A point could be enough for Ghana to join Portugal in the last 16 and they go into the Uruguay game in a position to field an unchanged line up. Mohammed Kudus was the hero against South Korea, and he will look to join the front three of Jordan and Andre Ayew, and Inaki Williams at every opportunity.

Uruguay could leave both Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani on the bench following two lacklustre efforts. That would give Darwin Nunez an opportunity to play through the middle. Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo is still not fully fit, and his absence continues to be felt at the back.

WIN Ghana @ $4.60*


Group G – Serbia v Switzerland

Serbia are no doubt still annoyed at having blown a 3-1 lead against Cameroon to only come away with a point, and this game is set to be another close affair. Aleksandar Mitrovic looks to be over his injury problems and with a win needed, he could finally team up with Dusan Vlahovic from the start.

Switzerland are in pole position to claim second spot in the group and are unlikely to reinvent the wheel following the narrow 1-0 defeat to Brazil. Bit part player Noah Okafor is the only injury concern for coach Murat Yakin. Expect another conservative approach from the Swiss.

DRAW @ $3.40*


Group G – Cameroon v Brazil

First choice goalkeeper Andre Onana has left the squad following a disagreement over tactics and been replaced by Devis Epassy. Captain Vincent Aboubakar sparkled off the bench against Serbia, netting twice, so coach Rigobert Song must be tempted to start him either instead of or alongside Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting.

Brazil are another side already into the knockout stages and they will use that security to try get players back from injury. Neymar, Danilo, and Alex Sandro are ruled out, while others may be rested. Bruno Guimaraes, Antony, and Gabriel Jesus are in line for more minutes.

WIN Brazil @ $1.40*

*Odds correct as at 9am, 2nd December 2022.

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