Football always has a story. Football always has a narrative when teams are pitted against each other. But what better drama than when Uruguay meets Ghana in a World Cup match that could decide the qualification to the next round? On the 2nd of July 2010, one goal was to take Ghana to their first-ever World Cup semifinal. Luis Suarez then intentionally handles the ball in the goal line during the stoppage time, as Asamoah Gyan misses the resulting spot-kick. Uruguay eventually wins the penalty shootout, leaving Ghana in disarray.
Fast forward twelve years and Luis Suarez is sitting alongside his coach in the press conference and his team is set to face Ghana to decide a place in the knockout stages. The script cannot be written better. All it takes is one victory. Will Ghana get their revenge, or will Uruguay once again have the last laugh? Storylines aside, Ghana have been vibrant this tournament, while their opponents have struggled to impose themselves. The Black Stars go into this tie as favorites on form, but one could never rule out this talented Uruguay side.
When and Where?
Date: 2nd December 2022.
Time: 4:00 PM CET.
Venue: Al Janoub Stadium, Qatar.
Team News
Ghana does not have any fresh injury concerns with the Ayew brothers set to start once again. Inaki Williams is yet to score a goal, but his performances have been admirable, while Mohammed Kudus has been Ghana’s star man in this tournament, scoring twice and assisting once in two games. The front four are expected to remain the same.
As for Uruguay, Luis Suarez came on from the bench and could start in place of Edinson Cavani. Facundo Pellistri made an impressive cameo, and Alonso might prefer him ahead of Varela.
Pre Match Analysis
Ghana’s nail-biting 3-2 win over South Korea means that even a draw could take them to the next round, provided the other result goes their way. Ghana’s change to a 4-2-3-1 formation worked extremely well against the Asian side last time out, as Kudus, Williams and the Ayew brothers caused problems throughout the game. They let a 2-0 lead go but ultimately bounced back with a third toward the end of the game.
Behind the talented front four, Partey and Abdul Samad hold the fort and they will be looking to control Uruguay’s skilled midfield. The defense has been a problematic area, but Uruguay themselves are yet to get off the mark in this tournament, so Ghana will hope to score the first goal to sit back and hit their opponents on the break.
Alonso’s Uruguay have struggled in front of goal, but they have created some good chances in the two games. La Celeste have a solid defense they can bank on, and will believe that the likes of Suarez, Nunez, and Cavani can find the net this time around.
Premier League players to watch out for
Ghana have Tariq Lamptey, Thomas Partey, Jordan Ayew, and Daniel Amartey representing the Premier League, but our player to watch out for is Southampton’s Mohammed Salisu. The 23-year-old has been solid since his Premier League debut back in 2020 and leads the backline for Ghana. He made his debut for Ghana just this year and if the Black Stars are to get away with a positive result, they will depend on Salisu’s ability at the back.
For Uruguay, Darwin Nunez plays an important role up front, but Rodrigo Bentancur’s performance against Portugal certainly deserved the plaudits. He single-handedly overtook the responsibility and created several chances last game. Alonso will hope that he can once again rise to the occasion and secure his team a spot in the last sixteen.
Predicted XI
Ghana predicted lineup: Ati-Zigi; Lamptey, Amartey, Salisu, Mensah; Partey, Samed; Kudus, A Ayew, J Ayew; Williams.
Uruguay predicted lineup: Rochet; Gimenez, Godin, Coates; Pellistri, Valverde, Bentancur, Vecino, Olivera; Nunez, Suarez.
