World Cup 2022: Ghana vs Uruguay preview, possible lineups, where to watch

Ghana will face Uruguay in Group H on Friday, knowing that a win would move them to the World Cup knockout phase with Portugal.

The Black Stars presently sit second in the group, two points ahead of fourth-placed Uruguay, who must win to advance to the tournament’s last-16 stage in Qatar.

Following the thrilling matchup between the two sides in the 2010 World Cup quarterfinals, Ghana will be seeking vengeance against Uruguay.

After 120 minutes of play, the score remained tied at 1-1; however, there was significant controversy late on when Luis Suarez was sent off for handling the ball on the line; Asamoah Gyan missed the ensuing penalty kick; and Uruguay advanced to the final four via a penalty shootout. This was the first time since 1970 that Uruguay had reached the final four.

With three points from their first two games in the tournament—a 3-2 loss to Portugal in their section opener and a 3-2 triumph over South Korea—Ghana can now knock Uruguay out of the 2022 competition. The Black Stars are presently second in Group H.

If South Korea fails to defeat Portugal, who are already through, a draw would be sufficient to advance Otto Addo’s team to the next round. If Fernando Santos’ team loses versus South Korea, the group’s second-place finish will be determined by goal differential.

Ghana is a team that knows what it needs to do, so it would be an interesting tale if they could advance to the knockout round for the first time since their run to the quarterfinals in 2010, having been eliminated in the group stage in 2014 before failing to qualify for the finals four years ago in Russia.

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Uruguay
With a 0-0 tie against South Korea in their opening encounter on November 24 and a 2-0 loss to Portugal on Monday, Uruguay has struggled to make an impression at the 2022 event. As a result, they are currently last in Group H and might be eliminated from the tournament early.

If Diego Alonso’s team loses or draws, they will undoubtedly be eliminated; only victory will do. If South Korea loses to Portugal, three points would be sufficient to progress; however, if both sides win, second place in the group would be decided by goal differential.

Having placed fourth in the 2010 edition before moving on to the round of 16 and quarterfinals in 2014 and 2018, respectively, Uruguay, which is known for winning the World Cup in 1930 and 1950, is well familiar with what it takes to go far into the competition.

It would be surprising to see the South American country fail to go past the opening round of the competition because they haven’t been eliminated from a World Cup in the group stage since 2002, which was the first time it had happened since 1974.

However, La Celeste struggled in their first two games of the 2022 campaign, and they will now face a Ghanaian team seeking retribution for their infamous match in 2010.

It would not be surprising to see the same starting XI hit the field for this game given Ghana has not disclosed any injury concerns from their meeting with South Korea.

Mohammed Kudus scored twice his previous time out and was in fantastic form. As a result of his exploits in the tournament, teams like Barcelona and Liverpool have expressed interest in signing him.

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Team News
Jordan Ayew and Andre Ayew are also anticipated to keep their offensive positions in the three behind the centre-forward, with Inaki Williams once more likely to lead the line for Ghana.

Salis Abdul Samed should join Thomas Partey in the middle of midfield.

Uruguay
It would not be surprising to see Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani start on the bench here for Uruguay because they have both struggled to make an impression at this summer’s competition.

Maxi Gomez, who shone off the bench against Portugal, might partner Darwin Nunez in the attack, with Suarez and Cavani perhaps coming into the game later.

Since Jose Gimenez, Federico Valverde, and Rodrigo Bentancur are all expected to start again, head coach Alonso is probably going to resist the need to rotate his squad.

Since the start of the competition, there have been questions about Ronald Araujo’s fitness, and it seems probable that the Barcelona defender won’t make the team for this game.

Possible lineups
Ghana possible starting lineup:
Ati-Zigi; Lamptey, Amartey, Salisu, Mensah; Partey, Samed; Kudus, A Ayew, J Ayew; Williams.

Uruguay possible starting lineup:
Rochet; Gimenez, Godin, Coates; Varela, Valverde, Bentancur, Vecino, Olivera; Nunez, Gomez

Where to watch
The game will be live on SuperSport of DSTV, Joy Prime, TV3, GTV Sports Plus and other local TV channels. Alternatively, you can also stream the game via score808.com.