GHANA – URUGUAY | Friday 4pm
There is only one place left to play for in Group H, and it is highly likely that the name of the selection that will qualify for the round of 16 along with Portugal will come out of this match. Indeed, it is difficult to imagine that in the other match South Korea, last on one point like Uruguay, will be able to overturn the odds and surprise the Portuguese. Celeste, so far one of the most disappointing teams in this World Cup, has no alternative but to win if they do not want to return home much earlier than expected. Ghana, on the other hand, have two out of three results at their disposal, and by winning their direct clash with the Koreans they have taken a big step towards the knockout stage.
With a draw, in fact, the Black Stars would almost certainly return to the top sixteen of a World Cup final 12 years after the last time.
The men coached by former Borussia Dortmund midfielder Otto Addo have two more points than the South Americans. But also a better goal difference against South Korea (0 and -2), the discriminating factor that will have to be taken into account should they finish level on points with the Asians. Qualification that would in any case be amply deserved for what André Ayew and his teammates showed on the field. In their debut match, they created a lot of problems for the better-ranked Portugal, who won 3-2 but were in danger of conceding the equaliser until the very end.
Ghana were impeccable in terms of goals – only the tournament’s big names (France, England, Spain) have scored at least five goals after the first two days – even against South Korea, who were beaten 3-2 at the end of a spectacular match in which the star player was once again AjaxKudus, who scored two goals.
Diego Alonso’s Uruguay, on the other hand, struggled terribly in possession, unable to score against both South Korea (0-0) and Portugal (2-0). Neither Nunez, Suarez nor Cavani were able to hurt the opposing defences. A different attitude, certainly a more proactive one, will be needed in the in-or-out match with Ghana, the last chance to avert an elimination that would make noise.
Ghana-Uruguay: latest line-up news
Valverde
The feeling is that Addo will not distort his team, which will probably not limit itself to a purely defensive performance. The form chosen by the commissioner will still be the 4-2-3-1, with the unleashed Kudus – already in the sights of Europe’s biggest clubs – in the role of high right outside forward, in support along with the Ayew brothers of the only forward Inaki Williams. Addo does not have to deal with injuries and heavy absences and is likely to field the same eleven that beat South Korea.
On the other side, Diego Alonso could make some changes in an attempt to revitalise an attack that has not worked so far. Suarez is likely to end up on the bench: with Nunez, Cavani should play this time. The coach also expects something more from Valverde. The Real Madrid midfielder will again be deployed alongside Vecino and Bentancur, but will have more offensive tasks.
The Prediction
Uruguay are not used to setting up a predominantly attacking match but that is what they will have to do, as victory is the only option this time. The problem, for the Celeste, is that Ghana have shown they are in good shape. They also have fast and very physical players who can hurt especially in transition if the South American defence is forced to uncover. In short, it promises to be an interesting match, among the most gripping of this final day, in which both are likely to score on at least one occasion. At the same time, it is legitimate to expect a more prolific second half.
Ghana v Uruguay matchday squad
- GHANA (4-2-3-1): Ati-Zigi; Lamptey, Amartey, Salisu, Mensah; Partey, Samed; Kudus, A. Ayew, J. Ayew; Williams.
- URUGUAY (3-5-2): Rochet; Gimenez, Godin, Coates; Varela, Valverde, Bentancur, Vecino, Olivera; Nunez, Cavani.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 1-1
