After twelve years, a repetition of the 2010 quarter final between four-time African champions Ghana and two-time world champions Uruguay arrives again at the biggest stage in football history.
The final group games of Group H come into the fore today when the Blackstars take on Uruguay and South Korea face Portugal in a quest to book a place in the round of 16 at the Mondial.
The 2010 quarter finalists sit in second place in Group C and need a draw or win against Uruguay to book a place in the knockout phase. Finishing second means this young Ghana squad will likely face Brazil in the round of 16 which will be another huge test for Otto Addo’s men.
Uruguay could finish bottom of Group C if they fail to defeat the Blackstars again with Luis Suarez stating emphatically the need for the win and not to apologize to any Ghanaian player or team for that matter.
WHERE AND WHEN?
Where: Al Janoub Stadium
Time: 3pm GMT
Date: 2nd December 2022
Pre-Match Analysis
The Blackstars returned to winning ways at the world cup this year after a resilient 3-2 victory against South Korea even after losing 3-2 to Portugal in controversial circumstances.
Mohammed Kudus remains the center of remembrance in Ghanaian minds after registering a brace in Ghana’s second group stage game. The Ajax midfielder also assisted skipper Andre Ayew’s equalizer against Portugal in the opening group game. Players like Salisu, Lawrence Ati-Zigi and Abdul Samed Salis have also been phenomenal for the west African side.
Inaki Williams has failed to find the back of the net in both games yet has been absolutely impressive for the stars and is likely to be given yet another starting berth by coach Otto Addo.
It is still dependent on the formation that we get to see which fullbacks are deployed by Otto Addo and who forms the attacking trio with Inaki Williams.
Abdul Samed Salis is likely to start for the third game in a row with Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey as they face a strong battle of dominance coming up against Real Madrid’s Federico Valverde and Spurs’ Rodrigo Bentancur in the Uruguay set up.
The stars are likely to sit back and soak the pressure and will fancy breaking the Uruguayans with counter attacks as Uruguay defense will be without Barcelona’s Ronald Araujo.
The Blackstars have conceded two goals in four minutes twice in the tournament and it is evident that there are constant lapses in concentration and there is much to be improved ahead of this upcoming game.
However, Uruguay approaches this game with only one priority, to win against the Blackstars and hope they can qualify if Portugal beat South Korea.
The Sky Blues remain unbeaten in their last four matches against African sides in this tournament. The 1930 winners have failed to score a goal so far at this tournament and cannot afford to let that happen when they take on the Black Stars in their final group game.
Diego Godin and Jose Maria Jimenez are most likely to shield Sergio Rochet and prevent the likes of Mohammed Kudus and Andre Ayew from eliminating Uruguay.
Rodrigo Bentancur and Fede Valverde with partner in midfield and in attack Darwin Nunez will have to show up with immense quality on the day to increase the 1950 winners’ chances of progressing to the knockout phase.
PLAYER TO WATCH
Uruguay: Darwin Nunez.
Ghana: Mohammed Kudus.
