World Cup 2010
Uruguay v Ghana – Quarter Final
Friday 2nd July 2010 – 2030hrs
Tonight’s second quarter-final sees another South American team, Uruguay, make it’s first appearance in the final eight for forty years when they come up against Ghana at Soccer City in Johannesburg on Friday.
Uruguay are another success story for the South American contingent as they powered through their Group A schedule, then followed this form up by beating South Korea 2-1 in the round of 16. Their success has largely been built on a solid defence and the goal they conceded against the Koreans was the first in four matches.
Their forwards are hitting form as Luis Suarez (3 goals), Diego Forlan (2 goals) and Cavani has also been introduced to link up with the front two which has made a positive difference.
If there is one criticism it is that the Uruguayans tend to sit back and allow teams to have the upper hand in possession, whilst defending very deep. This has worked for them so far, but had a couple of narrow escapes against the Koreans playing this tactic.
Central defender Diego Godin is out, while Mauricio Victorino will replace him in defence. Another imminent change is Alvaro Pereira is likely to be replaced by Alvaro Fernandez.
Ghana have progressed through the group rounds with a hint of fortune as they edged Australia out on goal difference, joining Germany into the knock-out phase. Their problem has been scoring goals, in fact they went 13 matches where they scored only one goal in all fixtures – they will have to step that ratio up here I fancy.
Striker Gyan and midfielder Kevin Prince-Boateng are slight injury doubts but both should be fit to start in this important match.
However, Jonathan Mensah and Andre Ayew will both miss this match due to yellow card accumulation.
The Ghanaians are shaky at the back and don’t be surprised if Forlan and the likes start shooting from long range to unsettle keeper Kingson whose hands are not convincing.
It will be a tight affair, but I feel the Uruguayans will have the edge over Ghana who have a nation’s expectation hovering over them.
Pick: Uruguay to win @ 2.10 with bet365
Or for the more cautious punter, take Uruguay to qualify @ 1.54 with Betfair
