Holding Uruguay Back for Revenge... Ghana Fans Also Shouted "Korea"

8 Minutes of Added Time, Ghana Blocks Uruguay's Additional Goal
Lost but Held Back to Avenge at South Africa World Cup
Ghana Fans at Local Stadium Chant "Korea Korea" Watching Uruguay

On the morning of the 3rd (Korean time), the South Korean national team, having secured a victory against Portugal in the third match of Group H at the 2022 Qatar World Cup held at Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar, is enjoying their joy as they advance to the round of 16. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

[Asia Economy Reporter Su-mi Hwang] The South Korean national team, which dramatically advanced to the Round of 16 in the 2022 FIFA Qatar World Cup, had a hidden ally. It was the Ghana national team, which was in Group H and fought a memorable match against South Korea.

On the 3rd (Korean time), South Korea defeated Portugal 2-1 in the final Group H match held at Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar, but still had to anxiously wait.

This was because they had to watch the ongoing match between Ghana and Uruguay at Al Janoub Stadium in Al Wakrah at the same time. In the 8 minutes of added time in the second half, Uruguay was leading Ghana 2-0. If Uruguay scored an additional goal, South Korea could have failed to advance to the Round of 16 due to goal difference.

At this moment, Ghana clung tightly to Uruguay, who needed just one more goal to advance from the group stage. Ghana goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi delayed time during goal kicks as if his team was winning, and Ghana coach Otto Addo made a substitution with one minute remaining. Eventually, the match ended without any additional goals, and South Korea, having accounted for all scenarios, dramatically advanced to the Round of 16.

The reason Ghana held back Uruguay until the very end is traced back to a bitter rivalry that began at the 2010 South Africa World Cup. The two countries met in the quarterfinals, engaging in a fierce battle that was tied 1-1 even after extra time. Just before the end of extra time, Ghana’s Dominic Adiyiah took a crucial shot, but it was blocked by none other than Uruguay player Luis Su?rez’s hand.

Using his hand like a goalkeeper, Su?rez was shown a red card and sent off, and Ghana was awarded a penalty kick, but Asamoah Gyan missed the shot. Su?rez’s choice to trade a red card for a goal block ultimately benefited his team. Uruguay eventually defeated Ghana in the penalty shootout and advanced to the semifinals.

Uruguayan player Luis Su?rez is seen shedding tears after failing to advance to the round of 16 following the Group H third match against Ghana held on the 3rd at Al Janoub Stadium in Al Wakrah, Qatar. Photo by AP Yonhap News

After this incident 12 years ago, Ghana vowed revenge when they were placed in the same group as Uruguay in this Qatar World Cup. Ibrahim Ayew, a Ghana midfielder who played in the 2010 South Africa World Cup, said in an interview with The Athletic, "We thought we were sure to be the first African team to reach the semifinals," adding, "All of Ghana, all of Africa, hates Su?rez."

Even Nana Akufo-Addo, the President of Ghana, said, "We have waited 12 years for revenge against Uruguay," and "This time, Su?rez’s 'hand' will not be able to hinder Ghana," showing how deeply the sentiment ran.

Although Ghana finished 4th in Group H and ended their World Cup run, they seem to find consolation in having avenged Uruguay after 12 years. A Ghana fan at Al Janoub Stadium, despite their team’s loss, looked at the Uruguay fans sitting right behind and shouted, "Korea, Korea." The British Daily Telegraph reported, "This tournament will surely be Su?rez’s last World Cup," and "The people of Ghana will be pleased that Su?rez’s final moments ended in misfortune."