Portugal-Ghana, the probable formations

Likely lineups

After Leo Messi’s flop in the opener, Cristiano Ronaldo hopes to debut in a completely different style. His Portugal side is expected to make its debut with Ghana at 5 p.m. Italian time in the second scheduled match of Group H.

Santos is obviously relying on Cristiano Ronaldo, despite a difficult few months with Manchester United. On either side of the Portuguese phenomenon will act Bernardo Silva and Milan’s Leao. In the midfield, quality is the order of the day with Bruno Fernandes and Ruben Neves. In defense there is space for the experienced Pepe alongside Ruben Dias. In goal is Diogo Costa, bench for Roma’s Rui Patricio.

Addo opts for a 4-2-3-1. The certainties are Arsenal’s Thomas Partey in midfield and the Ayew brothers in attack, employed in the offensive trident with Ajax talent Kudus behind the only forward Inaki Williams who plays for Athletic Bilbao.

Likely lineups.

PORTUGAL (4-3-3): Diogo Costa; Cancelo, Ruben Dias, Pepe, Nuno Mendes; Ruben Neves, William Carvalho, Bruno Fernandes; Bernardo Silva, Cristiano Ronaldo, Leao. Ct. Santos

GHANA (4-2-3-1): Ati Zigi; Odoi, Djiku, Amartey, Mensah; Partey, Owusu; Kudus, A. Ayew, J. Ayew; Williams. Ct. Addo

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