Ghana will take on Uruguay later today in their final Group H game looking to progress to the knockout rounds.
The Black Stars currently sit second behind Portugal in the group table, two points ahead of both South Korea and Uruguay.
Qatar 2022 marks the fourth time Ghana have reached the World Cup finals, having progressed through the group in both 2006 and 2010.
Otto Addo’s men will be desperate to secure qualification, but progression may not be the only thing on their mind. For Ghana – it's all about revenge.
Once progressing through the groups in 2010, The Black Stars reached the quarter-finals for the very first time in their history. Uruguay progressed on penalties that day in a highly controversial encounter after the game finished 1-1 in 120 minutes. In the final seconds of the game, Uruguay star man Luis Suarez handled the ball on the line to prevent a Ghana winner receiving a red card for his antics and conceding a penalty. Asamoah Gyan stepped up for his nation but missed the crucial penalty. Uruguay went on to win and reach the semi-finals.
We spoke to Ghana fan Anniel Nkwantabisa ahead of this clash to see how he was felt about facing Uruguay again. Anniel told us: “I think there is always going to be some animosity and grudges held against Suarez, not only from Ghana fans but fans of African football.
“It was absolute heartbreak, and it will be in the back of all Ghana fans memories, even if it was 12 years ago.”
Ghana will be going into the game with high hopes after two action packed games against Portugal and South Korea. After suffering a 3-2 defeat to now group leaders Portugal, they defeated South korea by the same scoreline.
Anniel told us: “The game against South Korea can be described as an instant World Cup classic. As a fan it was enjoyable to watch, but very nerve-wracking to see them equalise after we gained a two-goal lead. It was worth it in the end though, for the total celebration when Kudus scored the winner.”
Mohammed Kudus has probably been Ghana’s main man of the tournament so far, picking up two goals in their most recent win. We asked Anniel who he thought we should look out for against Uruguay, and he said: “Kudus has been phenomenal, he’s such an amazing talent for us. He proved this with both of his goals last match. But for me – Tariq Lamptey.”
Lamptey currently plays as a full-back for Brighton and Hove Albion and has recently switched allegiances to Ghana from England. Anniel said “He played very well in the game against South Korea and spells against Portugal too, he’s key for us going forward.”
We will have to see whether it is heartbreak again for Ghana or if they finally get their revenge on Suarez and Uruguay, and Anniel believes that another quarter-final run is more than on the cards. He also went on to add “We need to go for the win to secure our qualification, and to do it at the expense of Suarez and send Uruguay home would be something special!”
The two sides face off at three o'clock today, and it is not one to be missed!
By Scott O'Neill
Comments