Match Today: Portugal vs South Korea 02-12-2022 Qatar World Cup 2022

Portugal leads the group, three points ahead of Ghana, while South Korea ranks third with one point, ahead of Uruguay on goal difference.

The Portuguese national team has already qualified for the round of 16, but did not win the group. A point from this match will ensure that this happens. If they lose and Ghana beat Uruguay it will be on goal difference but Portugal are leading by three goals at the moment. For South Korea, only a win would give them a chance to qualify. They would have reached the last 16 but not if Ghana beat Uruguay. Goal teams may have to decide second place if teams end up level on four points. It will be a tense evening unless both Portugal and Ghana win. Portugal will be tempted to rest some players in this match. There will be no sweeping changes as they want to win the group and avoid a potential Round of 16 clash with Brazil. They've put in two solid performances so far and their key players are in great shape. South Korea must win this match to have any chance of reaching the round of 16. This may leave gaps in the defense, especially if the match was level in the second half, or they fell behind in the match. Go to Portugal for the win.

South Korea arrived in Qatar in fine form with just one loss in their last nine matches. This format has not been applied in this World Cup group with one point gained from two matches. They started with a draw against Uruguay but lost 3-2 to Ghana as they were in danger of an early exit. Only one of the last 11 World Cup finals matches has been won and five of the last seven have been lost. They kept three consecutive clean sheets before conceding three goals against Ghana. Finding that defensive steel again will be important in this match against Portugal. Portugal won both of their opening matches and have now won four of their last five with another loss to Spain in the Nations League. Nine goals have been scored in his last three international matches, with Fernandes netting twice in two of those matches. He also has assists, so he is a key player for the Portuguese. Ronaldo is also in good shape and that makes Portugal a dangerous team. Six of their last eight matches have seen them score at least two goals. They will want to go three wins in a row because finishing second in this group could mean they have to face Brazil in the last 16.

Portugal qualified, so it may be decided to rest some players. Nuno Mendes is an injury suspicion for them and could be one of those rested and saved in the last 16. There are other doubts related to the injury of Danilo Pereira and Ottavio. Rafael Leao, who participated in a sub-match against Ghana and scored a goal, may start the match. Portugal have won their last three matches and scored nine goals. South Korea only has one point from two matches. Portugal have scored at least two goals in six of their last eight matches. Ronaldo and Fernandes are in good goalscoring form while Son struggles for South Korea. Portugal will want to win this game as soon as possible. If that can be achieved, they can remove key players and rest them for the round of 16. South Korea's match against Ghana saw them fall behind at halftime and full time.