Ghana, Uruguay meet again at World Cup after 2010 drama

Ghana and Uruguay are set to face off in the World Cup on Friday, revisiting a match that remains etched in the memories of many Ghanaians as one of the tournament’s most controversial encounters.

While Ghana coach Otto Addo downplays the significance, the 2010 quarterfinal defeat to Uruguay still lingers as a painful memory for the West African nation. The deliberate handball by Uruguay striker Luis Suarez on the goal-line, denying Ghana a certain goal and a historic place in the semifinals as the first African team, remains a vivid recollection. Suarez was red-carded for the handball, but his jubilation on the sidelines after Asamoah Gyan’s penalty hit the crossbar compounded the agony. Uruguay eventually triumphed in the penalty shootout, and Suarez infamously remarked, “Truth is, it was worth it.” Now, 12 years later, Ghana has an opportunity for redemption.

By securing a victory against Uruguay in their final Group H match in Al Wakrah, Ghana can advance to the round of 16, simultaneously eliminating Uruguay from the tournament. Despite the anticipation surrounding the match since the World Cup draw in April, Addo attempts to downplay the significance, labeling it a “normal game” and expressing a reluctance to focus on revenge.

Having clinched a thrilling 3-2 win over South Korea in their previous game, Ghana needs another victory in Al Wakrah to guarantee progression beyond the group stage for the first time since 2010. A draw could suffice, depending on the outcome of the South Korea vs. Portugal match.

With Captain Andre Ayew as the sole Ghanaian player in Qatar who participated in the 2010 squad, Uruguay fields several players from that era, including the 35-year-old Suarez, likely in his farewell World Cup appearance. Suarez, a celebrated forward with accomplishments such as winning the Copa America and securing league titles and a Champions League trophy with Barcelona, is also known for his controversial behavior, including three instances of biting opponents.

Suarez, who started Uruguay’s 0-0 draw with South Korea but was benched in the 2-0 loss to Portugal, acknowledges the significance of the 2010 clash against Ghana. Despite being at the bottom of the group, Uruguay aims to defeat Ghana, hoping South Korea doesn’t overcome Portugal to extend their World Cup journey and Suarez’s international career. Goal difference will play a decisive role if both Uruguay and South Korea emerge victorious.

In a slightly provocative tone, Suarez emphasizes the importance of the upcoming match, stating, “We are going to put our lives and soul into this match. Ghana is a good team, but we know them, we have beaten them before, and we know how to beat them again.”