December 02, (THEWILL) – Despite defeating Ghana 2-0, Uruguay was unable to advance past the round of 16 of the World Cup just as opponents Ghana were left to regret Andre Ayew’s missed penalty early on.
La Celeste appeared to be in line to finish second in Group H, but South Korea’s dramatic victory over Portugal allowed them to advance since they had scored more goals than Diego Alonso’s team, with which they were tied on points and goal difference.
Ghana once again paid the price for a wasted penalty attempt in their first encounter since a contentious World Cup quarter-final in 2010, when Asamoah Gyan missed one after Luis Suarez was sent off for a handball on the goal line. This time, of was Ayew that failed to score.
Soon after that, Giorgian de Arrascaeta scored twice, as much goals as it took to give Uruguay the victory, but it was not enough to keep them from going out early with Ghana.
Even though Uruguay only scored twice during the competition, they were marginally ahead of South Korea in terms of points and goals scored until Hwang Hee-chan scored. Ghana simply needed a draw to advance, but a sluggish first half ultimately cost them.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
