Ghana v Uruguay: tactical preview
Probable starting line-ups
How many people predicted that one of these sides would make it into the semi-final?
Both were considered slight dark horses before the tournament started – Uruguay largely because of the Forlan-Suarez partnership upfront, Ghana because of their strong showing at the Africa Cup of Nations. Regardless, both have surprised many by reaching the quarter-final stage.
The two line-ups are fairly predictable – Uruguay’s in particular, because Oscar Tabarez named his side 48 hours before kick-off. The only major issues are that Mauricio Victorino comes in for the injured Diego Godin, whilst Alvaro Fernandez replaces Alvaro Pereira in midfield.
Ghana have two suspensions forcing Milovan Rajevac’s hand. Firstly, Jonathan Mensah (commonly referred to as Jonathan, to differentiate from John Mensah) is out, as is left-sided midfielder Andre Ayew. Jonathan’s absence will result in Isaac Vorsah returning to the first XI in a straight swap, but Ayew’s replacement will probably be Sulley Muntari – a more defensive player than Ayew. Although Muntari is used to playing on the left-hand side, and has the ability to get up and down throughout the game, it might mean Asamoah Gyan is more isolated than usual.
When you consider that the other ‘winger’ will probably be converted full-back Samuel Inkoom, you realise what a defensive-minded team Ghana are playing. It will be interesting to see how they defend in midfield – whether they’ll drop deep, invite Uruguay onto them, and attempt to play on the counter-attack, or whether they’ll press higher up the pitch and not allow the Uruguayan midfielders time on the ball.
The key to Ghana’s defensive play is how they deal with Diego Forlan. He has been in superb form so far – not as prolific as Luis Suarez, but his deeper position means he’s been more involved in build-up play, and more of an influence on the game as a whole. Suarez and Edinson Cavani will look to occupy a centre-back and a full-back each, and so the job of closing down Forlan will probably fall to the tough-tackling central midfielder Anthony Annan. So far, he hasn’t looked to get goalside of opposing attacking midfielders – he left Mesut Oezil play between the lines, and Ghana were punished – but with Forlan playing as a true trequartista, he probably needs the attention of a midfielder.
Ghana’s method of attack will be their usual – winning the ball in the midfield and constructing quick mini-counter-attacks by driving directly at the Uruguayan defence, and by playing balls over the top for Gyan. Tabarez will instruct Egidio Arevalo and Diego Perez to sit ahead of the centre-backs and track the runs from Kwadwo Asamoah and Kevin Prince Boateng – the man with a slightly different role will be Fernandez, who may play ahead of those two, allowing Forlan to get more space, or play on the left, as Alvara Pereira does.
The question of who will be braver with their full-backs may decide the game. Uruguay won’t break down the Ghana defence if they only attack with three players, and with the wide forwards taking up central positions in the final third, they need support in wide areas. Muntari will have to do a good defensive job against the powerful runs of Maxi Pereira.
It’s difficult to see either side significantly changing their shape, and equally difficult to predict a winner.
Ghana v Uruguay: tactical preview
I was surprised Alvaro Pereira didn’t get the nod, he’s been decent throughout the competition. It’s disappointing to see Ghana have to go a little more defensive as usual, with Muntari instead of the excellent Ayew.
The main threat, like you said ZM, will be Forlan. His deep lying role has been one of the positions of the tournament, further praised for the use of Cavani and Suarez in wider roles.
It’ll be a great tactical battle, maybe a little underrated by some people, but either of these sides will give Brazil/Holland a run for their money in the semi-final.
I’ve written about this game already, for anyone interested it’s in the link above.
I forsee a Lugano tap from a set-piece deciding this game.
Rooting for Annan to shut down Forlan, as hard as that will be ;=)
Yeah, uh. Surely was dreaming with my optimism there. Can’t shut down Forlan, silly me.
Forlan is making a strong pitch for the tournament XI.
Up Ghana! Up Black Stars! Today Africa will not be denied; an entire continent is on the verge of making history. Preview/prediction here: http://dodgyatbest.blogspot.com/2010/07/up-ghana-up-black-stars-africa-will-not.html
Ugh, is there any worse way to exit the world cup? Sad, sad to have to leave like that.
Ghana was better in extra-time, crazy last minute, two chances to convert within 3 meter of goal line, hand ball on line saves the second. Penalty rattles crossbar. Forlan converts first penalty. Gyan has GUTS takes first penalty and converts in convincing way. But then we have to see some awful penalties, two of them saved by Muslera.
Seriously sorry for Ghana though, wish them the best 2014, great team.
Well, the current Ghana team is such a young side that they have booked their berth for 2018.
Wow, what a game saving handball. How could Suarez not be man of the match with that handball save lol. Of course his suspension will lead to an easy Dutch victory. Heartbreaker for Ghana, who have provided some of the most exciting games of this World Cup. Unbelievable to see them have all that energy in extra time considering this was there second extended game in a row. What spirit and fitness. Amazing game.
Suarez should be sent home, disgusting way to end a match.
As much as people wouldn’t like it, if I was the ref I would have just feigned ignorance and awarded the goal.