FIFAWC 2022: End of the road for Ghana after Uruguay defeat

In a match whose pre-match atmosphere was dominated by the actions of Luis Suarez in South Africa in 2010, Ghana failed to overcome their South American nemesis, Uruguay, and were eliminated from the group stage of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The Black Stars fell to a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Uruguay and finished third in Group H.

Uruguay were captained by the pantomime villain of that match in Johannesburg, Luis Suarez, and faced early pressure from the Black Stars in the match. Ghana were awarded a penalty inside 20 minutes after Mohammed Kudus was upended by Uruguay’s goalkeeper in the box. Captain Andre Ayew stepped up but saw a poor penalty comfortably saved by Sergio Rochet.

Uruguay began to dominate matters and only a goal-line clearance from Mohammed Salisu denied Darwin Nunez two minutes later after the Liverpool man dinked the ball over the Ghana goalkeeper.

There was to be no denying the South Americans in the 26th minute, however, as Giorgian De Arrascaeta found the back of the net. A cross from Facundo Pellistri found its way to Suarez at the back post and the veteran striker smashed an effort goalwards but saw his shot saved by Ghana’s goalkeeper. De Arrascaeta arrived in time to head home the rebound from close range.

It took only six minutes for De Arrascaeta to double his and Uruguay’s advantage with a fine volley. Impressive one-touch football between Pellistri, Nunez and Suarez ended with the former Liverpool man scooping a pass into space for De Arrascaeta, who made no mistake with his volley from inside the box to give his side a two-goal advantage.

Both sides failed to score in the second half and they both exited the competition in the group stage after results in the other game did not go their way. Ghana finished at the bottom of their group with only three points from their win over South Korea.