Ghana, Uruguay set for World Cup rematch after 12 years

By Can Erozden

ANKARA (AA) – Football fans cannot wait to watch Friday's FIFA World Cup match between Ghana and Uruguay in the Qatar 2022 as the sides are set for a rematch after 12 years.

Uruguay were among the 2010 FIFA World Cup's dark horses and spent a stellar tournament in South Africa same as Ghana.

The sides met in the 2010 quarterfinals.

Ghana, called the Black Stars, were dramatically eliminated by Uruguay in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw at Johannesburg's Soccer City Stadium.

On the goal line, Uruguay star Luis Suarez, who is still a national team forward, blocked the ball with his hand on purpose to avoid Ghana's goal in extra time.

The match was locked at 1-1.

Suarez was sent off for a deliberate handball. His "Hand of God" is still one of the most memorable World Cup moments.

Ghanaian star Asamoah Gyan missed the penalty kick, hitting the crossbar to encourage 10-man Uruguay.

Uruguay won 4-2 on penalties to progress in South Africa.

They were eliminated by the Netherlands 3-2 in the semifinals.

The Dutch national team then became the 2010 runners-up after losing to Spain 1-0 in Johannesburg.

On Friday, Ghana are looking for a revenge in a repeat of their 2010 quarterfinal against La Celeste.

Suarez, who denied the goal in 2010, refused to apologize for his handball.

"The Ghana player missed the penalty, not me," the 35-year-old said before Friday's match.

In 2022 World Cup Group H, second-place Ghana have three points before the final matches in group phase.

The group is led by Portugal, who won all their two games in Qatar.

South Korea and Uruguay have one point each.

Uruguay are set to play a critical match, as they must beat Ghana to have a chance to be in the last 16.

But a draw can send the Black Stars to the next stage.

The Ghana vs. Uruguay clash will start at 1500GMT at Al Janoub Stadium in Al Wakrah.