The final two groups kick off their campaigns in Qatar on Thursday, with Brazil taking on Serbia in a stern first test for one of the tournament favorites. Given the number of shocks so far, no team is safe in the group stages of this World Cup.
Here is a look at the games with odds from BetXchange.
Switzerland VS Cameroon – Al Janoub Stadium, Al Wakrah
Cameroon will aim to be the first African team to pick up a win at the 2022 World Cup when they take on Switzerland on Thursday. The power of the other two teams in Group G makes this a must-win game for both teams. The Swiss are in great form – wins over Spain and Portugal in two of their last three competitive fixtures – while the Indomitable Lions didn’t win a single one of their four most recent friendlies. Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting is the most important player in the Cameroon attack, and while the (useless) FIFA Rankings show a big difference in class, I don’t see it in the lineups. I think Switzerland win this, but only by the odd goal.
Brazil VS Serbia – Lusail Iconic Stadium, Lusail
This is a game Brazil cannot take lightly. Serbia is big and powerful, and they have several technically gifted players, such as Dusan Vlahovic and Dusan Tadic. They also have a serious goal threat in Aleksander Mitrovic of Fulham. Brazil has all the stars – expect Neymar, Vinicius Dr., and Richarlison to all start – but the key to their tournament might be the presence of Alisson in goal. I think Brazil wins this in a close game, but only because Serbia has a backline that is vulnerable to giving up goals.
Uruguay VS South Korea – Education City Stadium, Al Rayyan
This should be a cracking match. Uruguay is a team that many thinks will go well at this tournament, with the ageless Luis Suarez having plenty of creative options to feed him the ball, like Rodrigo Bentancur and Fredrico Valverde. South Korea received a massive boost when Son Heung-min declared himself fit to play – albeit with a mask to protect his fractured eye socket – and his sheer presence is a massive boost to the Asian side. Japan has already shocked Germany, but Uruguay will win this as their attacking options are elite.
Portugal VS Ghana – Stadium 974, Doha
The Portugal circus will be one of the final two teams to their World Cup underway when they take on Ghana. The drama surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo has completely overshadowed their World Cup bid, which was only confirmed when they beat North Macedonia in a European playoff game. Ronaldo is expected to star, and with Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva, they have a couple of quality midfield creators. Ghana, however, shouldn’t be overlooked. They are young and ambitious in the attacking third and have been solid defensively in qualifying. Given the nonsense in the Portugal camp, I would have no issue taking a stab on Ghana to win this, especially if they can get an early goal.
