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Ian Wilkerson tips
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Ghana v Uruguay and South Korea v Portugal: Ian Wilkerson's World Cup betting tips

Portugal have already secured their place in the last 16 of the World Cup, but who will join them from Group H is very much up for grabs with Ghana, Uruguay and South Korea all seeking passage to the knockout stages.

Racing Post's Ian Wilkerson gives his best tips for the final two Group H matches on Friday afternoon - Ghana v Uruguay and South Korea v Portugal.

Forwards could get on top in grudge match

What: Ghana v Uruguay, World Cup Group H

Where: Al Janoub Stadium, Al Wakrah

When: 15.00, Friday 2nd December 2022

How to watch: BBC2

Odds: Ghana 15/4, Draw 14/5, Uruguay 8/11

Ghana are the lowest-rated team in Qatar but the 61st team in Fifa's rankings know that a draw against Uruguay will be enough for them to reach the second round, so long as South Korea do not beat Portugal.

But such a scenario will probably be far from the mind of the Black Stars as they come up against the team who controversially beat them in the quarter-finals in South Africa in 2010.

That night, Ghana were denied a goal in the dying seconds of extra-time when Uruguay striker Luis Suarez saved a shot on the line. He was sent off but Asamoah Gyan hit the bar with the penalty and the South Americans went through in a shootout.

That bad blood should ensure the Ghanians are positive, but they have been in both of their matches as they lost 3-2 to Portugal and won by the same scoreline in an entertaining clash with South Korea.

Despite the fact they may not need to win to join Portugal in the second round, the motivation will be there and there looks a decent chance that both teams will score in this clash, something that can be backed at an attractive 19/20.

Suarez is still in the Uruguay line-up as is fellow 2010 veteran Edinson Cavani and Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez, but they have yet to score in their two matches, a limp goalless draw against South Korea and a 2-0 loss to the Portuguese, who were fortunate to gain a late penalty.

So the talent is there even if they haven't found the net yet and they know failure to score a goal in their final game means they will be on the plane home.

Playing against a team who have conceded a total of five goals from their two matches should at least give them plenty of encouragement.

Valverde looks ready to shine

Uruguay were unable to muster a shot on target in their goalless draw against South Korea, which has probably been the dullest encounter in Qatar so far.

However, the one bright aspect of the night was a stinging shot from Real Madrid midfielder Ernesto Valverde which thumped against the Korean upright.

The South Americans have no option but to get on the front foot as they need a victory to progress and while the Uruguay forwards are sure to get plenty of attention, that could give the midfielder the opportunity again to try his luck from distance.

He has scored six goals in 14 La Liga matches this season and it looks worth taking the 10/11 on offer that he will have a shot on target.

Breakthrough could take a while for Portugal

What: South Korea v Portugal, World Cup Group H

Where: Education City Stadium, Al Rayyan

When: 15.00pm, Friday 2nd December 2022

How to watch: BBC1

Odds: South Korea 10/3, Draw 3/1, Portugal 8/11

France manager Didier Deschamps rested most of his star players for their 1-0 defeat against Tunisia after the world champions had booked their place in the last 16 and it will be interesting to see whether Portugal coach Fernando Santos adopts a similar tactic against South Korea.

Victories over Ghana and Uruguay have been enough to ensure their passage and that presents a dilemma for both Santos and punters looking for a bet on this game.

Although his appearances for Manchester United have been limited for the last few months, Cristiano Ronaldo was taken off in the closing stages of their 2-0 success over Uruguay and after he did not train with the team on Wednesday, there has to be a doubt about his participation.

Whether he does or not, it is worth recalling that all five goals Portugal have scored in the tournament have come in the second half.

South Korea battled back well to get to 2-2 before being sunk by a Mohammed Kudus goal against Ghana and they could be frustrated as they search for the win which is their only chance of extending their Qatar stay.

However, they may not get it, so backing the draw-Portugal outcome in the half-time/full-time market at 7/2 could be the best tactic.

Fernandes could have a big impact

If Ronaldo does not feature, all eyes will be on Bruno Fernandes to inspire Portugal to their third Group H victory and the Manchester United midfielder is unlikely to disappoint.

He scored both goals against Uruguay, which included a penalty that was awarded after Ronaldo had been substituted, but he is creating plenty of chances and that is what has been really noticeable.

Fernandes claimed an assist to two of the three goals his team scored against Ghana and his first goal on Monday was effectively a cross that Ronaldo just failed to get on the end of.

The Red Devils star is 5/2 to claim an assist against the Koreans and that looks a price that is worth taking.

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