Group H: Predictions and players to watch

The 2022 World Cup in Qatar is just a month away and coaches are getting ready to name their final squads for the global showpiece event.

We take a look at the groups and who will expect to reach the knockout stages.

GROUP H

PORTUGAL

Previous appearances: 7 (1966, 1986, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018)

Best finish: Third (1966)

Coach: Fernando Santos (Portugal)

Star player: Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United)

Portugal were European champions in 2016 and perhaps have a squad to challenge in Qatar, but much will also depend on the form of talismanic forward Cristiano Ronaldo. They are not as reliant on him as in the past, but he is still an important figure on and off the pitch in leading the team. Can they beat their third place finish with Eusebio in the team in 1966?

GHANA

Previous appearances: 3 (2006, 2010, 2014)

Best finish: Quarterfinals (2010)

Coach: Otto Addo (Ghana)

Star player: Thomas Partey (Arsenal)

The Black Stars beat off regional rivals Nigeria to reach the finals in Qatar, which in itself was a surprise. They are not the same potent squad that reached the quarterfinals in 2010, and there is the real sense they could struggle in this competition. Much could depend on the form of Thomas Partey and Mohammed Kudus.

URUGUAY

Previous appearances: 13 (1930, 1950, 1954, 1962, 1966, 1970, 1974, 1986, 1990, 2002, 2010, 2014, 2018)

Best finish: Winners (1930, 1950)

Coach: Diego Alonso (Uruguay)

Star player: Luis Suárez (Nacional)

Uruguay were quarterfinalists four years ago and finished fourth in South Africa in 2010, so have recent experience of the knockout stages of the competition. They are led by an aging Luis Suarez, who has younger guns like Darwin Nunez to keep in check, and it would be a surprise were the South Americans unable to reach at least the second round again.

SOUTH KOREA

Previous appearances: 10 (1954, 1986, 1990, 1994, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018)

Best finish: Fourth (2002)

Coach: Paulo Bento (Portugal)

Star player: Son Heung-min (Tottenham Hotspur)

South Korea have reached all 10 of the previous World Cup finals, a superb show of consistency few other sides can match. They finished fourth on home soil 20 years ago, but otherwise have got out of the group stage on only one other occasion. They rely heavily on star man Son Heung-min, who is also the captain of the side.