Andre Ayew missed a crucial penalty and Ghana paid for that dearly as they were beaten 2-0 by Uruguay in the FIFA World Cup Group H match at Al Janoub Stadium on Friday to see both bow out in the competition.
It was another dramatic conclusion of the group, as it is something we have became accustomed to in these World Cup finals.
South Korea stunned Portugal 2-1 to finish second, joining already group winners Portugal, at Education City Stadium at the same time.
Ghana’s penalty was given after it was reviewed by VAR after Mohamed Kudus was brought down by goalkeeper Sergio Rochet in the 21st minute. But Ayew stepped up but his penalty was poorly taken and Rochet dived to his left to save it.
Uruguay punished the Ghanaians moments later. Suarez’s goal bound shot was palmed away by Lawrence Ati-Zigi and Daniel de Arrascaeta profited from an easy finish five minute later to nod it in.
The same combination punished Ghana yet again. De Arrascaeta volleyed the second from Suarez flick on six minutes later to double the score.
Nunez had a penalty when Daniel Amartey brought the Liverpool striker down, but it was reviewed by VAR who overturned the decision.
With Ghana crashing out, they couldn’t avenge what happened 12 years ago in Mzansi and it meant that agony was revisited yet again.
Suarez and Ayew were the only players in both teams who played in this game having started that quarter final match at FNB Stadium.
In 2010, Ghana were set to become the first African team to reach the World Cup semi-finals. But Asamoah Gyan hit the woodwork with a penalty in the last minute of extra time after Suarez had been sent off for pushing the ball away with his hands on the goalline.
It meant the game ended 1-1 and Uruguay went on to win a dramatic shootout, which Suarez celebrated wildly, with the two-time champions winning 4-2 on penalties.
Portugal were already playing to maintain their top spot after collecting six points after two matches. They came to this game after beating Ghana and Uruguay respectively.
The 2006 semi finalists started well and scored after six minutes. Diogo Dalot picked out Ricardo Horta to side foot it home for Portugal. But the Koreans fought back to equalize after 27 minute through Kim Young-Gwon after Portugal failed to clear the second ball from the corner. Then Hwang Hee-Chan poked the winner in added time to dramatically shutter Uruguayans’ hope of going through. This left South Americans stunned and more so Suarez who was in full tears on the bench after he was taken off.
