Ghana, again let themselves down against Uruguay as the South American run out 2-0 winner in an all-important final group game, but both nation crashed out of the tournament after a Hee-Chan Hwang late winner for South Korea against Portugal.
The Black Stars were awarded a penalty in the first 20 minutes after Goalkeeper, Sergio Rochet brought down Mohammed Kudus in the box but captain, Andre Ayew failed to convert the spot kick as Rochet made a good save to deny him.
Five minutes after that penalty miss, Uruguay take the lead through Giorgian De Arrascaeta, who scored his county’s first goal of Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup after a Luis Suarez’s shot was saved by Ati-Zigi, Arrascaeta was on hand to head home from close range.
Arrascaeta got his second six minutes later, two minutes after the half hour mark, Luis Suarez setting up the Number 10 this time and his shot managed to beat Ati-Zigi to make it 2-0 to Uruguay.
However, it wasn’t meant to be for them despite their impressive performance to pick up their first win of the tournament as Portugal surrendered a five minute lead and ended up losing 2-1 to South Korea, who joins the European side in the next round.
Five minutes into their FIFA World Cup debut, Diogo Dalot and Ricardo Horta combined to give Portugal the lead. The Braga winger fired home from the defender’s cutback on the right to give Fernando Santos’ side the lead.
Kim Young-Gwon restores parity for Korea three minutes before the half hour mark following a Son Heung-Min corner, which came off Cristiano Ronaldo before it fell kindly for the defender and he beats Diogo Costa from close range.
Knowing a win could see them through to the next round, South Korea continued to keep their shape, absorbed the pressure from Portugal and luckily, Portugal couldn’t do much with the possession than pass the ball around.
One minute into the added time of the second half, Son Hueng-Min led a South Korea break and did well to keep the ball until substitute, Hee-Chan Hwang arrived in the box.
Son releases Hwang and South Korea scored a late winner, which sees them leapfrog Uruguay having scored more goals than their rival for the spot.
South Korea awaits the group winner in G while Portugal will face the runner up of the same group in the round of 16.
Author: Kehinde Hassan Afolabi
