Two spots in the round of 16 are up for grabs as the World Cup group stage comes to a thrilling conclusion. Portugal has advanced over Group H, and it is most probable that one of Ghana or Uruguay will join them in the next round as their 2010 World Cup rivalry is reignited (due to Luis Suarez’s recent statements). Similar circumstances may be found in Group G, where Switzerland leads Cameroon and Serbia by two points and Brazil has been eliminated. They square up against the latter in what is sure to be a tumultuous match at Stadium 974.
Portugal vs. South Korea in Group H
Al Rayyan Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar; Thursday, December 1; 10 a.m. ET; TV: Fox and Telemundo; Live stream: fuboTV (Try for free)
What to know: South Korea’s World Cup is gone if they lose, and their challenge against the group’s front-runners has become more challenging because Napoli defender Kim Min-Jae is doubtful due to injury. In preparation for the match, Cristiano Ronaldo did not train with the rest of the Portugal team, but Fernando Santos has plenty of players with a punch to choose from, including Rafael Leao and Andre Silva.
Ghana vs. Uruguay in Group H
Al Wakrah Sports Club, Al Wakrah, Qatar; Friday, December 2; 10 a.m. ET; TV: FS1 and Telemundo; Live stream: fuboTV (Try for free)
What you should know: Anger between these two dates back to 2010, when a Dominic Adiyah header appeared to be heading for the back of the net, and Ghana was destined to become the first African team to advance to the World Cup semifinals. Luis Suarez, a striker, put his hand up on the goal line and cemented his reputation as a football villain, which would only get worse over time. The ensuing penalty kick was missed by Asamoah Gyan, and Ghana never forgave Suarez.
A Ghanaian reporter told the now-experienced striker at his pre-game press conference that some people think Suarez is “the devil himself.” The winner will either be assured a place in the final 16 or will have a choice. The end of Group H was pleasant and tranquil.
Serbia versus Switzerland in Group G
On Friday, December 2, at 2 PM ET, at Stadium 974 in Doha, Qatar
FS1 and Universo on TV; fuboTV for live streaming (Try for free)
What to know: This game will also be filled with history because the Swiss team includes players of Albanian heritage like Granit Xhaka and those of Yugoslavian descent like Xherdan Shaqiri. In their World Cup match, these two teams each scored and performed the double eagle, which Serbia viewed as provocative.
Football wagers are crucial, and a victory would ensure Switzerland’s spot in the round of 16, adding fuel to the fire. Even a draw would be sufficient if Cameroon didn’t defeat Brazil, but Serbia would need to outperform Cameroon’s performance to advance.
Brazil vs. Cameroon in Group G
Location: Lusail Stadium in Lusail, Qatar | Date: Friday, December 2 | Time: 2 p.m. ET |
TV: Telemundo and Fox | Live stream: fuboTV (Try for free)
What to know: Brazil’s lead isn’t assured, but Switzerland still has a lot of work to do to catch up to them. This raises the question of whether Tite will attempt to rotate his team and give players like Dani Alves and Gabriel Jesus a chance. Cameroon is also not out of it, but they are now embroiled in controversy after Andre Onana was expelled. In contrast to Onana’s own statement that he had “put all my efforts and energy into finding solutions to a situation that a footballer often experiences, but there has been no will on the other side,” head coach Rigobert Song claimed that the star goalkeeper had requested not to play in the second game, a draw with Serbia.
