Very few people would have predicted either of these sides making the quarter final let alone both. This means that a highly unfancied side will make the semi finals which is great news for the tournament. Uruguay struggled in South American qualification but have been reborn in this competition. Their defence was impregnable in the group stages as they conceded no goals and won two of their three matches to finish top of the group. They looked good to win against South Korea before allowing the Asian side back into the game. Luis Suarez hit a late winner to ensure that they would not be denied.
Like their opponents, Ghana have made it this far on merit. They benefited from a terrible defensive error against Serbia before failing to capitalise on the fact that Australia had ten men for 66 minutes. After they lost 1-0 to Germany in a tight match, it looked like they may be eliminated but luckily for them, Serbia failed to snatch a last gasp equaliser. Against the USA, Ghana dominated, scored, but couldn’t put the Americans away. One penalty kick against them later and all hands were on deck. They survived to extra time, finding a new lease of life with Asamoah Gyan scoring a brilliant winning goal.
Both sides are defensively solid though Ghana have a greater propensity to make individual errors. Nonetheless, this looks like being a game with few chances which is why the side with the strikers, Uruguay, should be favourites to win this match as Diego Forlan and Luis Suarez are two terrific forwards whereas Gyan is all by himself effectively. Uruguay are $2.10 to win in normal time with Ghana at $4.20. The draw at $3.25 looks like a very good value bet with Uruguay winning in extra time at $8 an even better bet.
Verdict: Superior firepower gives Uruguay extra time win