Uruguay sent Ghana packing again with a 2-0 victory at Al Janoub Stadium on Friday in their 2022 World Cup Group H last game to repeat their triumph over the Black Stars 12 years ago in South Africa.
Andre Ayew missed an early penalty as the La Celeste scored twice in eight minutes through Giorgian De Arrascaeta to pick the win. It was, however, not enough as Uruguay are going home with Ghana.
The Black Stars needed just a draw to make it to the knockout stage because South Korea defeated Portugal 2-1 in the other group game and Ghana has more goals scored than the Asians.
Ghana finished bottom of the group with three points, as Portugal and South Korea go through to the round of 16 with six points and four points, respectively.
After a slow start, Ghana had the first shot at goal in the game 15 minutes in when Jordan Ayew forced a save from Sergio Rochet.
The goalkeeper later brought down Mohammed Kudus, who latched onto the rebound. The penalty was awarded after a VAR check. Captain Andre Ayew had his tamed effort saved from the spot in the 21st minute.
Uruguay took the lead five minutes later through Giorgian De Arrascaeta, who headed in a rebounded Luis Suarez shot at the right post.
Ghana’s disorganization was exploited again when Suarez sent in a cross from the left for Arrascaeta to score his brace from a first-time shot at the far post just after the half-hour mark.
The South Americans continued to dominate the Black Stars and went into the break with a two-goal advantage.
Ghana started the second half with better intensity but nearly conceded a penalty when Daniel Amartey brought down Darwin Nunez. His blushes were, however, spurred after a VAR check two minutes to the hour mark.
Fede Valverde forced a marvellous save from Lawrence Ati Zigi with a trademark shot from a distance with twenty minutes remaining.
Ghana had a rare opening at the La Celeste backline for substitute Antoine Semenyo to shoot just wide at goal with his left foot before Kudus forced a big save from Rochet two minutes later.
Ati Zigi produced another magnificent save in the 88th minute to deny Edson Cavani a goal that could have taken Uruguay through.
Ghana pressed for a consolation goal but Uruguay defended doggedly to deny Ghana any consolation goal. The South Americans held to claim a 2-0 win.
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Source: MyJoyOnline.com
