Phillip Buckley

What: FIFA 2010 World Cup
Who: Uruguay vs Ghana (Quarter-final)
When: Friday 2nd July, 2010, at 19:30 UK Time
Where: Soccer City Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa

Sharp Shooters Aiming for Glory

Uruguay have been a real South American success story so far in South Africa. Placed in Group A at the beginning of the World Cup it was 50-50 whether they would progress with South Africa, Mexico and France as opponents. Indeed, a dour 0-0 draw with France in their opener did little to inspire confidence that they would, but since that result Uruguay have been transformed, using the lethal strikers Diego Forlan and Luis Suarez to blast their way through the tournament.

With two and three goals respectively, Forlan and Suarez are in red hot form and Uruguay breezed past South Korea in their last 16 meeting. The South Americans are aware that the strike duo hold the key to progression not just past Ghana, but also for an even deeper run, and Forlan especially has come in for some serious praise. "We are lucky to have a player with the experience and ability he has and his desire to help the team", said coach Oscar Taberez, while midfielder Alvaro Fernandez dubbed the Atletico Madrid striker a "natural leader".

The South Americans may start this match as favourites, at least in the eyes of the bookmakers, but the support of the African crowd will be firmly behind their opponents.

Africa’s Last Hope

The 2010 World Cup started with such high hopes for African teams. This would be their time. They would advance in unison, using home advantage to push home their claims. Down to just eight sides and it hasn’t quite worked out like that. Only Ghana remain and only the Black Stars have really punched their weight. With the quality running throughout the African side, the quarter-finals was not something considered beyond them. To go further though, would be to shock the system, and be another important milestone in the progress of the continent’s sides.

Ghana have shown glimpses of real, world-class, talent throughout the tournament. Even losing to Germany in their final group game was no disaster. The match was close. Germany were carved open on occasion. And only the slimmest of margins brought defeat. It could though be, ironically, a European who helps the Black Stars plot their way past Uruguay. Serbian coach Milovan Rajevac, in his first coaching position outside the Balklans, has worked wonders. "Tactically our coach is very smart", beamed a happy Stephen Appiah, Rajevac’s captain. "He’s always watching videos of opposing teams."

No doubt Rajevac will know all about the threat Uruguay represent, but history beckons Ghana to become the first African team to reach the World Cup semi-finals. Can they do it?


Recent form

Uruguay:
France 0–0 Uruguay (11/06; World Cup – Group A)
South Africa 0–3 Uruguay (16/06; World Cup – Group A)
Uruguay 1–0 Mexico (22/06; World Cup – Group A)
Uruguay 2-1 South Korea (26/06; World Cup – Round of 16)

Ghana:
Ghana 1–0 Serbia (13/06; World Cup – Group D)
Australia 1–1 Ghana (19/06; World Cup – Group D)
Ghana 0-1 Germany (23/06; World Cup – Group D)
United States 1-2 Ghana (26/06; World Cup – Round of 16)


Players to watch

Uruguay – Diego Lugano: While Diego Forlan and Luis Suarez take most of the plaudits, the tough tackling, no-nonsense centre back Diego Lugano is the glue that holds Uruguay together. Lugano has been superbly solid throughout the World Cup so far, marshalling a backline which has conceded only one goal so far. The 29-year-old also brings added options from set-pieces and is especially dangerous from corners.

Ghana – Richard Kingson: Attacking flair may receive the vast majority of the press’s attention when looking at the Black Stars, but goalkeeper Kingson has popped up with some vital saves at key moments. The 32-year-old was labelled "a complete waste of space" by the former co-chairman David Sullivan when he enjoyed a spell with English side Birmingham City, before eventually moving to current club Wigan Athletic. For a "waste of space" the Ghana keeper has done exceptionally well on the biggest stage of all.


Match prediction

Roared on by the vuvuzelas there is little doubt who the locals are backing to go through. Ghana are an exciting team and very much akin to the Cameroon side of Italia ’90. Coach Rajevac has really worked hard to instil tactical discipline into the side whilst not stifling their natural flair. Masters at youth level, the Black Stars have some fine talents. However, Uruguay are tough nuts to crack and have experience running through their side. The South Americans will not let this chance to reach the semi-finals slip through their fingers and a repeat of the 2-1 scoreline they clocked up against South Korea looks likely.

Don’t forget: If you fancy a bet on this exciting game, you can find and compare the prices of all major online bookmakers at tip-ex.com.