FIFA World Cup 2010, Quarterfinals: Uruguay vs Ghana - Match Preview
It’s time for the quarterfinals of the FIFA World Cup 2010, and the 2nd quarterfinal will see Uruguay take on Ghana. As far as trade experts and fans go, not many would be putting their money on either team to make it the final or even go all the way; after looking at the big name line-up in the other quarterfinals, they certainly don’t count as favourites.
However, many people tend to forget that Uruguay are two-time world champions, and although they may not have the same standing in world football as they once used to, they still posses enough quality to take on the best in the business. On the other hand, Ghana are still in a fairytale making their way into the final 16. In a group where they had to be better than Australia and Serbia, they certainly have impressed one and all in this World Cup.
Road to the Quarterfinals:
Uruguay:
Uruguay was pitted in a group which looked relatively simple; however, it was not like that at all when the dust settled down. Their first match was against former world champions France, and it was probably a game where both teams were looking to feel their way into the World Cup, as neither side was looking to over commit. As a result, it was a 0-0 stalemate. The 2nd match, though, was a different story, as Uruguay came out all guns blazing against the hosts of the World Cup, South Africa. Not to say that the Africans did not fight back, but the harder they fought, the easier they fell. Uruguay is a team blessed with players with raw pace and ability, and they used that pace to hit South Africa on counterattacks and won 3-0. The final game probably was the best out of the three in group stage; they beat a flamboyant Mexico side 1-0, in a match where both teams played end-to-end football. The Final 16 match, though, was by far their toughest outing; a resolute South Korea team, who were looking to make history, once again gave it their all. Uruguay did not shy away from their typical style, and Suarez won the match with a beautiful goal (2-1).
Ghana:
Ghana is a team who play with their hearts more than anything else. Their first match against a gritty Serbian team was a tough affair, but the Africans came out 1-0 winners. In the 2nd match, they came up against Australia; it was a cagey match, and both teams fought hard but could not find the winner, and it ended in a 1-1 draw. It all came down to the final match against Germany, but despite a 1-0 loss, they made it to the Final 16 at the expense of Australia and Serbia. In the pre-quarterfinal, they had to wait long (into extra time) to snatch a dramatic 2-1 win against USA.
Team News:
The Ghana captain, and the team’s most important player, Kevin-Prince Boateng, is suffering from a hamstring injury after the Final 16 match, but is expected to be fit in time for the quarterfinal. Another integral part of Ghana, striker Asamoah Gyan, is also believed to have recovered from the ankle injury that he suffered in the match against USA.
Defender Isaac Vorsah is also fit and expected to step in for Jonathan Mensah, who is suspended, and Sulley Muntari is expected to replace Andre Ayew, who is banned for a match.
For Uruguay, Fucile, Lugano and Victorino are one booking away from suspension, while Addy, Annan and Tagoe from Ghana are also one card away from suspension.
As far as previous encounters are concerned, this will be the first match between the two at this level.
Therefore, overall Uruguay do have the edge, but Ghana are sure to once again come out and play with their heart on their sleeves, and who knows, their fairytale run in this World Cup may just continue.
Tags: