Ghana vs Uruguay, FIFA World Cup 2022, Today Match Prediction

Ghana vs Uruguay Match Prediction & Analysis

There is a real possibility that Uruguay will exit this World Cup at the group stage for only the second time in seven tournaments.

They are usually specialists at progressing to the knockout stages, though a fearsome blend of solidarity with a few flashes of quality.

Unfortunately, those flashes of quality haven’t really materialised at this World Cup and they have no goals after two games. The likes of Suarez and Cavani no longer have the same quality they once did.

Ghana are in with a shout of progressing thanks to a brilliant win over South Korea in their previous game. South Korea were expected to edge past the African nation, but it was Ghana who claimed three points.

A draw could be enough for Ghana if South Korea fail to beat Portugal, although a win would guarantee them that runners-up spot.

TEAMS PREVIEW

Ghana Preview

FIFA Ranking: 61

Predicted Finish: Group Stage

Reasons to be cheerful:

     Have scored five goals at this World Cup so far

     Mohammed Kudus has come alive at the tournament

Reasons to be fearful:

     Also conceded five goals so far

     Were eliminated at the group stage at their last World Cup

Ghana have proven plenty wrong already at this tournament, with their flair and creativity in attack, showing that the FIFA world rankings aren’t everything.

While they have conceded just as many goals as they have scored, it is that willingness to attack that has won them many fans so far. 

They probably deserved more from their 3-2 defeat to Portugal, especially considering the controversial penalty that was given against them. They followed that up with a pulsating win over South Korea.

We’ve seen some of their players come alive in this tournament, no least Mohammed Kudus. The Ayew brothers, Jordan and Andre, have been lively, while Thomas Partey has brought his Arsenal experience in midfield.

They’ll all need massive performances here, of course.

Star Man – Mohammed Kudus

The 22-year-old has been in fine form for Ajax this season and has brought that form with him to Qatar. Now he has two goals to his name, thanks to his performance against South Korea.

Uruguay Preview

FIFA Ranking: 14

Predicted Finish: Round of 16

Reasons to be cheerful

     Will feel confident about keeping Ghana out at the back

     Have highly experienced players at this level

Reasons to be fearful

     Continue to struggle to create goalscoring chances

     Need to move on from Suarez and Cavani

If Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani have a monster performance left in their 35-year-old legs, now would be the time for them to show it.

They have certainly looked their age so far at this World Cup, with the pair of them, alongside Darwin Nunez, unable to find the back of the net. Most of their goal threat has come from midfield so far.

While defensively they have looked as solid as usual, with Diego Godin and Jose Gimenez continuing their long-standing partnership, it is going forward that will determine their fate now.

Fede Valverde has been his usual brilliant self at this tournament, driving his country on and coming close to scoring on more than one occasion. He’ll need more of the same here.

Star Man – Darwin Nunez

It’s clear that Suarez and Cavani can no longer compete at the very highest level. Darwin Nunez needs to be the future for Uruguay and he could do with coming alive in this game.