World Cup: One goal shy Uruguay are gonners with Ghana
Portugal and South Korea celebrate; Uruguay and Ghana ponder what might have been
URUGUAY scored twice in a comfortable 2-0 victory over under-performing Ghana in their Friday evening Group H clash.
Had they scored three, they would have been preparing for the Round of 16 at Qatar 2022 instead of packing their bags for the long flight over the Pacific Ocean and a lukewarm reception at best.
Truth is, they had their destiny in their own hands and on the run of play and chances they created, should in fact have scored quite a few more than the one goal required.
As much he is the player most neutrals love to hate, Luis Suarez was imposing his uncompromising presence on the game.
It’s always amazing how the brawling South American lives so close to the dirty play line yet (usually) escapes sanction by way of a card.
Not that the Ghanaians lack any physicality of their own, by the way, but they seemed to be subdued on the night in what should have been a game that oozed adrenalin.
They had the perfect opportunity to score when a penalty came their way around the 20 minute mark as goalkeeper Rocket made illegal contact with striker Mohammed Kudus about to pull the trigger.
Veteran Andre Ayew placed the ball on the spot but tamely stroked it to Rochet’s left. He walked up slowly and dragged a pretty tame shot towards the bottom-right corner. Rochet guessed right and kept it out with a strong left hand.
Ghana would pay the price for that miss as Giorgian de Arrascaeta struck twice in the final minutes of the first half, one courtesy of Suarez and the other of his own making as he blasted a belter into the back of the net (2-0).
Desperate times call for desperate measures and Ghana did the unthinkable by leaving both Ayew brothers in the change rooms as the teams appeared for the second half.
The two have been the mainstay of the side for years – perhaps too many years.
After that, it was all about whether the fresh legs could make a difference and get that elusive third goal.
They couldn’t, and to cut a long story short, Uruguay’s 2022 World Cup escapade was also cut short.
Portugal and South Korea celebrate; Uruguay and Ghana ponder what might have been.
