Uruguay victorious over Ghana but both sides crash out of World Cup
La Celeste started the game as the only side yet to score a single goal in the tournament, but deployed a hugely attacking lineup knowing only a win would take them through.
Diego Alonso’s side began on the front foot, but the Black Stars dealt a huge sucker punch early on with some intricate play on the counter.
Jordan Ayew tested Sergio Rochet, who could only parry, allowing the onrushing Mohammed Kudus to lift the ball over Rochet before falling to the floor looking for a penalty.
Much to Uruguay’s dismay, VAR aided German referee Daniel Siebert in pointing to the spot, giving Ghana captain André Ayew the chance to avenge the painful 2010 Quarter-Final defeat which he missed due to suspension.
Ayew stuttered to the ball, but failed in making it 25 goals for his nation as Rochet saved well down to his left.
The penalty sparked Uruguay into life, first when Darwin Núñez forced Mohammed Salisu to clear off the line after chipping Lawrence Ati-Zigi in goal.
Moments later, Uruguay were in front, and it was ‘El Diablo’ Luis Suárez who was at the heart of the play. The forward was afforded too much time in the box, cutting inside before firing towards goal.
Ati-Zigi was disappointingly unable to hold, giving Giorgian de Arrascaeta a headed tap-in on his first start. The same combination allowed La Celeste breathing space, with Suárez intricately flicking over the head of Alidu Seidu, before de Arrascaeta finished well on the volley.
The Ayew brothers were replaced at HT, with fans calling for a repeat of the 3-2 scoreline they had been treated to in the opening two games.
Inside the first minute, substitute Osman Bukari found himself in a great shooting position, but with the goal at his mercy, he was caught cold and dragged wide of the left-hand post.
At the other end, Núñez was set free and seemingly felled by Daniel Amartey, but after consulting VAR Ghana were saved as the ball hit Núñez’s arm in the build-up.
In the end, Uruguay did their job, but were hugely disappointed as Portugal conceded late to a Hwang Hee-chan winner, sending South Korea through at expense of La Celeste on goals scored.
Flashscore Player of the Match: Giorgian de Arrascaeta (Uruguay)
