It’s been 12 years since a fresh-faced Luis Suarez clawed a lightweight Jabulani ball off the line to deny Ghana a last-minute winner in the quarterfinal of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
Suarez was sent off, and Ghana were awarded a penalty in the 120th minute, which Asamoah Gyan missed. Uruguay would go on to win the subsequent penalty shootout and break Ghanaian hearts in one of the cruelest exits in World Cup history.
This time, La Celeste and the Black Stars meet in a group stage match, but once again, qualification to the next round for both teams depends on the match’s outcome.
Ghana head into the game with three points after suffering an opening-day 3-2 defeat to a star-studded Portugal but bouncing back to beat South Korea by the same score in a thrilling end-to-end second match.
A win would guarantee Ghana a place in the round of 16, but a draw could suffice unless South Korea beats Portugal by two or more goals in their final group game.
Uruguay are in a worse position as they head into the match with a solitary point from their goalless draw with South Korea. Uruguay lost their second match 2-0 to Portugal, meaning they have yet to score in this tournament.
Scoring will be essential in their clash with Ghana because they must win if they are to have any chance of qualifying. With Edison Cavani, Darwin Nez, and Luis Suarez all available, Uruguay should be able to end this goal drought.
Scoring will be essential in their clash with Ghana because they must win if they are to have any chance of qualifying. With Edison Cavani, Darwin Nez, and Luis Suarez all available, Uruguay should be able to end this goal drought.
While backroom experts will be following these equations, the players themselves will be looking to keep it simple: All they can do is score and win.
