There’s nonetheless one free finish to tie up.

Portugal wants some extent in its final Group H match in opposition to South Korea on Friday to ensure ending in first place. That may include a perk — avoiding Brazil within the final 16.

“If we had to face each other, it would be a game between two great teams,” Portugal coach Fernando Santos stated. “But our wish, and Brazil’s, is that we meet later on.”

After the 2-0 win over Uruguay on Sunday, Santos stated he wasn’t planning to relaxation too many key gamers in opposition to South Korea. Ronaldo could also be an exception.

Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo scores his aspect’s opening aim in the course of the World Cup group H soccer match between Portugal and Uruguay, on the Lusail Stadium in Lusail, Qatar, Monday, Nov. 28, 2022. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

Three video games in 9 days might show to be an excessive amount of for the 37-year-old striker, who hasn’t performed important minutes this season for Manchester United — the English workforce which just lately terminated its contract with Ronaldo after his explosive pre-World Cup interview blasting the membership’s supervisor, house owners and even his teammates.

Ronaldo missed workforce coaching on Wednesday, as a substitute finishing a session within the fitness center, and there’s an opportunity he’s saved for the final 16. That would give the likes of Gonçalo Ramos or Andre Silva a uncommon probability to start out up entrance.

Also set to be lacking are middle again Danilo Pereira, who broke three ribs in coaching final week, and left again Nuno Mendes, who was substituted within the first half in opposition to Uruguay due to a muscle damage.

If chosen, playmaker Bruno Fernandes will look to proceed his robust kind that has seen him rating two targets — one among them contested by Ronaldo in opposition to Uruguay — and arrange two others.

South Korea wants a win in addition to a favor within the different sport going down concurrently, between Ghana and Uruguay, to affix Portugal in advancing from the group.

A win for Ghana, which is in second place on three factors — three behind Portugal and two away from South Korea and Uruguay, means the South Koreans can’t qualify no matter their end result at Education City Stadium outdoors Doha.

Son Heung-min has but to attain on the event for South Korea, which adopted a 0-0 draw in opposition to Uruguay with a wild 3-2 loss to Ghana. Son, although, doesn’t appear to be too affected by sporting a protecting masks after sustaining a number of fractures round his left eye in a problem whereas enjoying for Tottenham within the Champions League.