Ghana coach Otto Addo refused to criticise Luis Suarez while recalling the infamous World Cup match between the Black Stars and Uruguay in 2010.
Ghana and Uruguay face off in Qatar on Friday, with a place in the World Cup’s last 16 on the line. It’s a rematch of the 2010 meeting, which produced one of the most controversial World Cup moments.
Suarez deliberately handled Dominic Adiyah’s shot on the goal line 12 years ago, denying Ghana a late winner in the quarterfinal.
Suarez received a straight red card for conceding a penalty and then wildly celebrated off the field as Asamoah Gyan missed the spot-kick.
Uruguay went on to defeat Ghana on penalties, denying the Black Stars the opportunity to become the first African team to reach the World Cup’s last four.
“I think generally, it is about perspectives. If the same incidents would have happened the other day round, Ghana would have proceeded to the semi-finals,” Addo said when asked about the 2010 match.
“It is normal. Every player will do everything he can to help his team get to the semi-finals. This is what I will wish from every player to do all he can to help his team to qualify, sometimes sacrificing for red cards,” he said on Thursday ahead of the clash.”
Portugal have already secured their place in the next round with two wins from two games, but they still need a point to be declared Group H winners.
The only remaining rival for first place are Ghana, who have three points and will confirm qualification with a win against Uruguay.
