Each World Cup has its fair share of sub-plots and other intriguing storylines and the 2022 edition is no different. The stage is set perfectly for Ghana and Uruguay to renew acquaintances, with a spot in the round of 16 at stake. 12 years ago, Ghana and Uruguay met in the quarter-finals, with a major flash point taking place late on in the match as Luis Suarez deliberately blocked a shot with his hands in the box.
The controversial striker received a straight red, but Asamoah Gyan was unable to convert a penalty that surely would have fired Ghana into the final four. As a result, the match went to spot-kicks, which went Uruguay's way and ensured that the South Americans made it into the quarter-finals for the first time since the 1970's. Had Ghana been able to get through, they would have made history as the first African team to reach the final four.
Despite it being over a decade later, that result still brings back painful memories for Ghanaian fans, and with Suarez believing that he was right in his actions - rather, he put the blame of Ghana's early exit more so on Gyan's miss - the Black Stars, and fans all over the Ghanaian diaspora, will be really looking forward to this match. More important than just mere revenge is the fact that a win would guarantee Ghana a spot in the round of 16, where they will join fellow African sides Senegal and Morocco. As things stand, Ghana are in good position, with their three points thanks to a thrilling 3-2 win over South Korea helping them to sit ahead of both the Asian side and upcoming opponents Uruguay.
It was a result Otto Addo's side really needed after losing by the same score-line to Portugal on matchday one, and now, with qualification within grasp, Ghana will need to ensure they avoid any slip-ups when they take on Suarez and company on Friday. While a draw could suffice, especially as Portugal are expected to defeat South Korea, the Black Stars will not want to leave anything to chance as South Korea are still very much in contention to qualify should they pick up a vital win against Portugal in the other Group H match being played at the same time.
Uruguay, for their part, have not impressed so far at this World Cup. They failed to ignite against South Korea and had to settle for a drab scoreless stalemate, while they were deservedly on the wrong end of a 2-0 score-line against Portugal last time out. As such, the South Americans, who have yet to score a goal, are last in Group H, albeit a win for the two-time World Cup winners, coupled with a negative result for Korea, would see them leap-frog both Ghana and South Korea to book their spot in the round of 16.
Team news: Ghana vs Uruguay
Ghana: The Black Stars don't have any new injury or suspension concerns ahead of this match, meaning that Addo will have a full strength squad available.
Uruguay: La Celeste could rotate here, as neither Luis Suarez nor Edinson Cavani have been in great form and as such, one of these veterans could end up being left on the bench.
Match facts: Ghana vs Uruguay
- This will be the second meeting between Ghana and Uruguay at a World Cup, with the first taking place during the 2010 quarter-finals
- To date, Uruguay have never lost to an African side at a World Cup (W2 D2)
- Uruguay have yet to score a goal so far at this World Cup
- They will be hoping to avoid back to back losses at a World Cup since 1978
- Ghana are looking to win back to back World Cup games for the first time since 2006...
- ...and also book their spot in the round of 16 for the third time in their last four World Cup appearances
- The Black Stars have scored in their last seven World Cup games and could match the eight set by Nigeria should they score on Friday
- Mohammed Kudus, who has two goals, could become the first Ghanaian player since Asamoah Gyan (3 in 2010) to score at least three goals for the Black Stars at a World Cup
Broadcast info: Ghana vs Uruguay
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Match details, result and original broadcast info
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Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
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