Just a week after battering Nigeria’s Super Eagles in a pre-tournament friendly duel, Portugal, in Group H, take on Ghana, the team that was responsible for Nigeria’s absence.
This is Portugal’s sixth successive FIFA World Cup finals campaign as they square against Ghana, who, absent in 2018, return to face the same team they met in their closing encounter eight years ago – a 2-1 defeat that led to both teams’ exit in Brazil.
Although this is only their eighth FIFA World Cup appearance, Portugal have been ever-presents this century, coming fourth in 2006, the first of Cristiano Ronaldo’s record-equalling five tournament participations. The legendary forward will be looking to make history in Qatar as the first player to score in five FIFA World Cups.
Ghana also have something to look forward to. In 2010, they became the third African team to reach the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals.
In André Ayew, a veteran of the 2010 and 2014 finals, they boast a local hero, with the Ghana skipper having inspired Al Sadd to victory in the 2021-22 Qatar Stars League.
Facts ahead of Portugal’s clash with Ghana
Ghana and Portugal meet today in a Group H contest of Qatar 2022 as both quest for major marks. Here are some of such.
• Portugal need just one goal to reach the landmark of 50 goals scored at the World Cup.
• Portugal have won three and drawn one of their last four World Cup matches against African opposition.
• Cristiano Ronaldo is featuring for a record-equalling fifth time at the World Cup.
• Ghana’s appearance at Qatar 2022 means they have qualified for four out of five World Cups since making their final competition debut in 2006.
• Ghana have only failed to score in two of their last 11 World Cup matches.
Portugal team facts
Overall record: Play 30; Win 14 ; Draw 6 ; Lost 10 Goals For 49; Goals Against 35; Goal Difference: 14
Biggest win: 7-0 Portugal-Korea DPR (21/06/2010)
Biggest defeat: 0-4 Portugal-Germany (16/06/2014)
Highest scoring draw: 3-3 – Portugal-Spain (15/06/2018)
Highest scoring match: 8 goals – Portugal 5-3 Korea DPR (23/07/1966)
Most goals scored in a match: 7 goals – Portugal 7-0 Korea DPR (21/06/2010)
Most goals conceded in a match: 4 goals – Portugal 0-4 Germany (16/06/2014)
Most goals scored at a FIFA World Cup: 17 – 1966 (6 matches)
Fewest goals scored at a FIFA World Cup: 2 – 1986 (3 matches)
Most goals conceded at a FIFA World Cup: 8 – 1966 (6 matches)
Fewest goals conceded at a FIFA World Cup: 1 – 2010 (4 matches)
FIFA WORLD CUP STREAKS
Successive wins: 4 (1966, 2006)
Successive defeats: 3 (1986-2002
Successive draws: 1 (six times)
Successive matches without a defeat: 5 (2006), 5 (2014-2018)
Successive matches without a win: 4 (2006-2010), 4 (2010-2014)
Successive matches with a goal scored: 7 (1966-1986)
Successive matches without scoring: 3 (2010-2014)
Successive clean sheets: 3 (2010)
Ghana team facts
FIFA WORLD CUP TEAM RECORDS
Overall record: Play: 12 Win 4 ; Draw 3; Lost 5; Goals For 13; Goals Against 16; Goals Difference -3
Biggest win: 2-0 Ghana-Czech Republic (17/06/2006)
Biggest defeat: 0-3 Ghana-Brazil (27/06/2006)
Highest scoring draw: 2-2 Germany-Ghana (21/06/2014)
Highest scoring match: 4 goals – Germany 2-2 Ghana (21/06/2014)
Most goals scored in a match: 2 goals (four times)
Most goals conceded in a match: 3 goals – Ghana 0-3 Brazil (27/06/2006)
Most goals scored at a FIFA World Cup: 5 – 2010 (5 matches)
Fewest goals scored at a FIFA World Cup: 4 – 2006 (4), 2014 (3)
Most goals conceded at a FIFA World Cup: 6 – 2006 (4), 2014 (3)
Fewest goals conceded at a FIFA World Cup: 4 – 2010 (5 matches)
FIFA WORLD CUP STREAKS
Successive wins: 2 (2006)
Successive defeats: 1 (five times)
Successive draws: 1 (three times)
Successive matches without a defeat: 2 (three times)
Successive matches without a win: 4 (2010-present)
Successive matches with a goal scored: 5 (2010-present)
Successive matches without scoring: 1 (three times)
Successive clean sheets: 1 (2006, 2010)
