Uruguay vs Ghana: World Cup 2010 Preview and Prediction

Published by adam | Filed under Fifa World Cup South Africa 2010, Predictions, Previews

Uruguay has given their fans plenty to cheer about in South Africa.

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7/2 20:30 GMT Uruguay vs Ghana – Odds | Stats


Uruguay and Ghana have never met in international competition but will take the big stage on Friday in Johannesburg – Soccer City Stadium. Both sides were unlikely quarterfinals favorites but have impressed and ultimately deserve to have a chance at the semi-finals in South Africa. Will Ghana continue to sing and dance into the final 4 or be sent home as an entire continent’s last hope at glory on African soil?






Uruguay:


Uruguay has been one of the surprises of the World Cup having only conceded one goal in 4 matches. The 2 time World Cup winners have not reached the semi-finals since 1970 in Mexico. Uruguay will look to overseas experience to carry them into the semi-finals. Only 2 of the 23-man roster play domestically in Uruguay, while the rest see club action in Europe. Luis Suarez is making more than a name for himself for club football. His goal against South Korea was no doubt one of the goals of the tournament. Diego Forlan and Suarez complete the one-two punch for Uruguay. Both have found more freedom on the pitch after Coach Oscar Tabarez’s formation changes early on in the tournament. Forlan has cemented his worth as both a scorer and playmaker for La Celeste. Villarreal defender Diego Godin, on the other hand is uncertain for the Friday match with Ghana due to a left thigh injury sustained against South Korea. Uruguay, in order to beat a strong and physical Ghana, will look to their strikers to produce more magic in order to continue their successful run in South Africa. 1930, 1950, 20??.


Ghana:


The Black Stars have picked up unprecedented support while they remain the last hope for Africa in the World Cup. South Africa represents only the second time Ghana has qualified for the world’s most watched tournament. A trip into the semi-finals would mark the best any African nation has ever performed in the World Cup. Only Cameroon in 1990, Senegal in 2002, and now Ghana have reached the quarterfinals of the big stage. The United States started all their group stages poorly and Ghana took every advantage pressing the US into making mistakes. Asamoah Gyan scored the extra time winner against the Americans through sheer strength and power and will certainly give the Uruguayans a time in the backfield. Gyan, however, suffered an ankle knock in training but says he will be ready for Uruguay. Andre Ayew has shown good touch on the ball and smart decision making that will bring up attention in the transfer market at the end of the tournament. Ayew and defender Jonathan Mensah will however, miss the Uruguay match due to suspension from cumulative yellows. Kevin-Prince Boateng worsened a hamstring injury and remains a doubt for the Uruguay encounter. Coach Milovan Rajevac will hope his injured players will recover but will have a job in replacing those with suspensions. Look for bad boy Sulley Muntari to feature despite his bad relationship with the manager.

Can Ghana make history and become the first African nation to reach the semi-finals?

Prediction:


This will be a hard one to pick. The attacking prowess from Uruguay is among the top in the World Cup, but the Black Stars will be backed by an entire continent to continue into the semi-finals. A trip to the semis will make history for Africa and on home soil, that can be an equation for success. Ghana allowed the United States plenty of chances at goal that quality strikers typically make no mistake of. Therefore, Uruguay edges this one out and advances to the semi-finals to face the winner of Brazil and the Netherlands.


Pick:


Uruguay 2 – 1 Ghana






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