Ghana’s hopes of making it to the knockout stage of the e2022 FIFA World Cup ended after they suffered a devastating 2-0 defeat to Uruguay.
The game generated a lot of attention as it was a repeat of the 2010 World Cup quarter-final clash in South Africa which the Celeste won in a penalty shoot-out, Asamoah Gyan losing a spot kick in extra time after Luis Suarez stopped the ball from going in with his hands.
The Black Stars were out for revenge, a message that dominated headlines pre-match and they made a statement early on by putting the Uruguayans under pressure.
Inaki Williams had the first opportunity of the game in the 15th minute, going past a couple of challenges before firing a shot that Uruguay goalkeeper Sergio Rochet Alvarez saved.
Few moments later, Mohammed Kudus was brought down in the box and after a lengthy VAR review, a penalty was given. Andre Ayew – who is the only player from that 2010 match to still remain in the current Ghana squad – took the responsibility of playing the spot kick. However, just like Gyan 12 years ago, the Al Sadd forward missed.
Ghana’s morale dropped from here and it allowed Uruguay to have the momentum, their first chance coming in the 24th minute, Darwin Nunez lobbing the ball over Ghana number one Lawrence Ati-Zigi but had his goal-bound effort cleared by Mohamed Salisu.
Uruguay broke the deadlock in the 26th minute when Giorgian de Arrascaeta headed in Suarez’s rebounded effort. It was not long after Suarez and De Arrascaeta combined again, the former finding the latter who fired in brilliantly with his first touch.
Diego Alonso’s men remained in control of the match with Ghana offering very little threat. Uruguay could have had a third goal after Daniel Amartey brought down Nunez in the box in the 58th minute.
Referee Ismail Elfath had to look at the pitchside monitor for the second time but the penalty was turned down. Another penalty appeal came in injury time when Edinson Cavani was brought down but it was waved away again.
Despite the victory, Uruguay failed to progress to the round of 16 after South Korea recorded a surprise 2-1 win over Portugal. The victory meant the Asian giants finished in second place tied on four points with Uruguay, but qualified with better goals-scored record than the South Americans.
Ghana finished in last place with three points while Portugal finished as group winners with six points.
