World Cup 2022 Tipsheet: Leao set to net for Portugal on Friday

The thrilling end to the 2022 World Cup group stages continues, and the hopes and dreams of numerous countries continue to burn bright - football expert Robin Bairner assesses Friday’s matches.

Ghana v Uruguay

Kick-off: 3pm Friday

Ghana need to avoid a negative result to reach the last 16 after taking part in two thrilling encounters. After narrowly losing 3-2 to Portugal, they won by the same scoreline against South Korea on Monday, which means a draw would likely be enough to see them through.

By contrast, Uruguay know that they need a win. Uruguay had been tipped as a surprise package of the competition but have not even scored so far - Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani have looked their age, while Darwin Nunez continues to be raw.

Success in this encounter would be particularly sweet for Ghana, who were infamously denied a spot in the semi-finals in 2010 when Suarez saved a goalbound shot with his hand. That preserved Uruguay’s undefeated record against African sides in the World Cup.

The vast experience of the South American side should be enough to see them through - 1.82 looks good value.

Prediction: Uruguay to win @ 1.82 

South Korea v Portugal

Kick-off: 3pm Friday

Portugal have already qualified for the last 16, and a point would be enough to secure top spot in the group. Their approach to this game could well condition the outcome, but it would be surprising if Cristiano Ronaldo played the duration given there is at least one more important test ahead.

Indeed, this could be Rafael Leao’s time to shine. A record of one goal in 13 caps looks modest, but he has typically played 20 minutes or less in the majority of those games. He has looked sharp in his World Cup cameos and crucially netted against Ghana earlier this tournament.

South Korea, who need to win to stand a chance of progression, have lost five of their last seven World Cup matches. It will take a huge reversal of fortunes for them to upset the Portuguese.

Prediction: Rafael Leao to score anytime @ 3.5

Serbia v Switzerland

Kick-off: 7pm Friday

From accusations of Serbia star Dusan Vlahovic having an affair with a teammate’s wife to Xherdan Shaqiri’s infamous celebration when he netted the winner for Switzerland when these sides met at the 2018 World Cup, there is a lot going on in this match before taking into account the fact that it has become a virtual knockout affair.

Switzerland holds the better spot in the group after beating Cameroon 1-0, while Serbia needs to go for a win. The omens are not positive: the Swiss have never lost their final group stage match and the Serbs, who squandered a 3-1 lead against Cameroon a matter of days ago, have lost their previous two.

Given what’s on the line, it’s worth keeping an eye on over 4.5 cards in the match. However, I will be more interested in backing over 2.5 goals. Serbia have scored at least twice in five of their last six internationals, which hints this could be a more exciting game than widely billed.

Prediction: Over 2.5 goals @ 2.14

World Cup 2022 Friday Predictions

Ghana v Uruguay: Uruguay to win @ 1.82
South Korea v Portugal: Rafael Leao to score anytime @ 3.5
Serbia v Switzerland: Over 2.5 goals @ 2.14