We’re finally here — the last day of group games in Qatar. Let’s dive in. Four games are scheduled for the 13th day — Friday, December 2 — of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Group H: South Korea versus Portugal (Education City Stadium, 18:00)
Group H: Ghana versus Uruguay (Al Janoub Stadium, 18:00)
Group G: Serbia versus Switzerland (Stadium 974, 22:00)
Group G: Cameroon versus Brazil (Lusail Iconic Stadium, 22:00)
South Korea vs Portugal
Portugal have already secured a place in the round of 16 — and they will try to remain unbeaten against struggling South Korea, which lost 2-3 to Ghana, to secure first place in Group H.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Co. head into Friday’s game comfortably after beating Ghana and beating Uruguay up, while South Korea, for its part, is pulled into a moment after scoring just a single point after scoring a single point after a goalless standoff with Uruguay.
However, South Korea could be inspired by their 1-0 win at the 2002 World Cup against Portugal, where they finished in the last 16 in the semifinals and knocked out the Seleção das Quinas.
Coach Paulo Bento will not run South Korea’s bank after he was shown a red card due to a late-game breakout in his team’s fight against Ghana.
“Qualification is guaranteed, but we also want 1st place,” Ronaldo tweeted ahead of the game. “There are no limits for this team and our goals. Let’s get more! Strength Portugal!
Qualification is guaranteed, but we also want first place. There are no limits to this team and our goals. Let’s get more! Go to Portugal! 🇵🇹🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/beqfnw3gsr
— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) December 1, 2022
Ghana gegen Uruguay
It is now or never for Uruguay whether they hope to advance to the 2022 World Cup knock-out round after being outplayed by Portugal and robbed of goal posts in a goalless draw with South Korea.
For Ghana, the team with the lowest place in the World Cup, a draw against the South Americans could be enough to get them to the round of 16. But that is only possible if Portugal can dismantle a lively South Korea in its confrontation on Friday. Ghana was defeated by Portugal but showed promise when it fought off a spirited South Korea on Monday.
For Uruguay to find the winning team at Al Janoub Stadium, veterans Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani, who have had problems so far, must shine.
Ghana, meanwhile, has set its sights on making amends after Uruguay gave the Black Stars a shameful quarter-final defeat at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
Serbia vs Switzerland
Switzerland is looking for the last place in Group G in their Friday battle against Serbia — a rematch from their hard-fought clash at the 2018 World Cup, which was clouded by political tensions.
However, it will be a huge increase for Serbia to reach the knock-out phase.
Serbia must not only beat the 15th Swiss, led by Granit Xhaka, by a big goal advantage, but they will also need Cameroon to slide past Brazil to claim a narrow victory.
Switzerland, which is on three points, is ready to join Brazil in the round of 16. A win gets them there, but also a draw, but only if underdogs Cameroon can outshine a dominant Brazil.
Cameroon vs Brazil
Can Cameroon win against the best-placed — and unbeaten — Brazil, which was able to skyrocket after victories against Switzerland and Serbia?
In this case, the Indomitable Lions must do their best after a loss against Switzerland and a draw against Serbia. Keep an eye on striker Vincent Aboubakar, who ensured Cameroon’s survival after scoring one of the most spectacular goals of the 2022 World Cup against Serbia.
Brazil, which has already qualified for the knock-out stages of the tournament, is expected to rest many of its best players in Friday’s game. It is unclear whether Neymar, who dropped out of the group stage due to injury, could make a comeback in the knock-out phase.
Brazil will face one of the Group H opponents — Portugal, Ghana, South Korea or Uruguay — in the knock-out phase. They face off the runner-up in the group with a win on Friday. A loss could mean a potential showdown with Portugal, depending on how things play out on Friday.
Did you miss any of the World Cup action? CNN Breaking News English has got you covered. Here you can see which teams have made progress and which are going home. Would you like to improve your football vision? Then look no further than Kashef, our predictor of artificial intelligence (AI), who calls out all games in Qatar.