Ghana need more than the pride of playing for an entire continent and the pumping of adrenalin when they face Uruguay at Soccer City in the quarterfinals on Friday. The thought of becoming the first African team to reach the semi-finals of the World Cup should be their biggest motivation.
Scoring from open play remains Ghana’s main problem, even though they did find the net twice against the USA in the previous round. The approach play of the Black Stars against Germany in the group stage was razor-sharp but the performance inside the box was erratic. Loading the gun wasn’t a problem for the Ghanaians; pulling the trigger was.
Asamoah Gyan’s match winner in extra-time in the round of 16 was opportunistic and emphatic. Ghana require more of the same if they have to topple the in-form Uruguay. A spate of injuries has affected the preparations of Milovan Rajevac’s side. Kevin-Prince Boateng is racing against time to get fit for the most important match of his career. Gyan, Ghana’s top scorer here with three goals, is also hampered by a knock. While those on the treatment table can recover and take the field on Friday, Andre Ayew will be resigned to watch the proceedings from outside. The young midfielder, who had filled in the big shoes of Michael Essien admirably, is suspended for the Uruguay match.
Rajevac has the option of using Sulley Muntari, but the Inter midfielder hasn’t endeared himself to his coach and teammates with his childish behaviour in South Africa. Muntari’s match sharpness remains a concern after he failed to get adequate playing time as a result of his petulance.
Uruguay’s spectacular run, which is miserly as well with only a goal conceded in four matches, is one of the stories of the tournament.