View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Soccer Laduma (@soccer_laduma)

Login

Suarez In Tears As Uruguay & Ghana Are Sent Packing

Suarez In Tears As Uruguay & Ghana Are Sent Packing

AL WAKRAH, QATAR - DECEMBER 02: Luis Suarez of Uruguay takes off his captains armband as he is substituted during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group H match between Ghana and Uruguay at Al Janoub Stadium on December 02, 2022 in Al Wakrah, Qatar. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

Ghana 0-2 Uruguay

Uruguay missed out on a place in the round of 16 in spite of beating Ghana, who also crashed out, 2-0 in the last Group H clash at Al Janoub Stadium.

The Black Stars kept the same side that edged South Korea in a five-goal thriller, apart from full-backs, Alidu Seidu and Abdul Rahman Baba.

Uruguay, meanwhile, recalled Luis Suarez to partner Darwin Nunez upfront.

Ghana were awarded a penalty from a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review after goalkeeper Sergio Rochet caught the trailing leg of Mohammed Kudus in the box.

However, Rochet made up for his error after saving Andre Ayew's spot-kick, low towards the bottom corner.

Giorgian de Arrascaeta eventually broke the deadlock for Diego Alonso's charges ten minutes later with a close-range header from a rebound after shot-stopper Lawrence Ati-Zigi could not hold onto a shot by Suarez.

De Arrascaeta doubled the lead for the Sky Blue and completed his brace with a strike under Ati-Zigi after he was teed up by Suarez.

Ghana had a scare around the hour-mark after the referee was referred to the VAR monitor to decide whether Nunez's tumble in the box warranted a penalty but he deemed the incident as simulation.

Kudus almost revived the hopes of Otto Addo's men in the last eight minutes with a rocket from the edge of the box that was parried into the post by Rochet.

Uruguay needed one more goal to qualify but they were edged for a last 16 spot by South Korea, who had scored more goals after both sides were equal on points and goal difference.

Ghana finished bottom of the section with three points.

South Korea 2-1 Portugal

Portugal qualified as Group H winners despite a 2-1 loss to South Korea, who joined them in the knockout stages in the last group encounter at Education City Stadium.

The Selecao, who qualified for the knockout stages with a 2-0 win over Uruguay, rested some key players including Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva and Joao Felix on the bench but talisman Cristiano Ronaldo remained to lead the line.

Portugal had a perfect start after Ricardo Horta sent them ahead five minutes from the first whistle with a first-time shot in the box after a cross by Diogo Dalot on the byline.

South Korea pulled themselves level shortly before the half-hour mark after Young-Gwon Kim fired home a powerful strike from the rebound in the box.

Ronaldo was eventually rested with 25 minutes to go and more fresh legs were introduced introduced by Fernando Santos in closing stages.

The Taegeuk Warriors eventually seized their opportunity in stoppage time after Heung-Min Son made a long solo run from his own half and played a through ball to Hee-Chan Hwang, who smashed home the winner.

Paulo Bento's troops qualified for the last 16 as runners-up with a technicality of more goals scored than Uruguay, after the sides were equal on points and goal difference. 

You must be SIGNED IN to read and post comments.  

Click here to register

Comments

Top 5

Lepasa Lands Exciting Deal After Pirates Exit

Aug 01, 2025 02:11 PM in Fan Park

Chiefs Slammed For Releasing Downs Target 

Aug 02, 2025 11:59 AM in Kaizer-Chiefs

Pirates Drop Training Gallery – And Ndah Is in It!

Aug 01, 2025 05:27 PM in Orlando-Pirates

European Interest Prompts Chiefs Contract Action

Jul 30, 2025 12:02 PM in Kaizer-Chiefs

Twist: Chiefs' Rivals Enter Race For Velebayi & Baartman

Jul 31, 2025 02:23 PM in Kaizer-Chiefs

Chiefs' Starlet At Career Crossroads

Aug 01, 2025 10:47 AM in Kaizer-Chiefs

Guardiola Confirms Coaching Hiatus After Man City Stint

Jul 31, 2025 06:52 AM in English-Premier-League

Pirates Coaching Change: De Sa Shares Honest Take

Aug 01, 2025 08:49 AM in Orlando-Pirates

Ex-PSL Boss Folz 'Plans' SA Pre-Season For Yanga

Jul 31, 2025 06:58 AM in African Football

Lepasa Lands Exciting Deal After Pirates Exit

Aug 01, 2025 02:11 PM in Fan Park