Ghana told they could have won 2010 FIFA World Cup if not for one determining incident
Ghana have learnt they could have won the 2010 FIFA World Cup if not Luis Suarez’s handball that dent the country’s hopes of lifting the major world title.
Arguably, Ghana was one of the best teams at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. The Black Stars qualified out of Group D after placing second to Germany. Ghana beat Serbia, drew with Australia and lost to quarter-finalists German before eliminating USA in round of 16.
Thanks to Kevin Prince-Boateng and Asamoah Gyan strikes that book Ghana a quarter-finals clash with South American side Uruguay. Ghana were the only African side to remain in the competition and were on the verge of becoming the first African country to reach semifinals of the FIFA World Cup after Sulley Muntari had given them the lead with the stunning long range carpet shot.
Diego Forlan equalized from a set piece early in the second half to seize Ghana’s semifinals chances. Ghana nearly snatched a last-four place late in the game but Luis Suarez denied a Ghana entering ball with his hands in extra time stoppage time.
Ghana missed the resultant penalty when Asamoah Gyan kick was saved. Ghana lost 2-4 on penalties to exit the competition at quarter-finals stage.
Ghana and Uruguay meet again at the FIFA World Cup after the Qatar 2022 World Cup finals draw put the two rivals in Group H. And Ghanaian top official has reflected on the past game in South Africa 12 years ago.
Ghana Football Association Executive Committee member Frederick Acheampong believes Black Stars could have won the 2010 FIFA World Cup if Luis Suarez’s famous handball had not occurred.
Black Stars will face off against Suarez’s Uruguay again after being drawn together in the group stage of this year’s World Cup in Qatar.
Suarez deliberately used his hand to prevent a certain Ghana goal that would have put them 2-1 ahead with seconds left in extra time in the quarter-finals of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
Suarez was sent off, but Asamoah Gyan missed the resulting penalty, allowing Uruguay to advance to the semi-finals via a shootout.
“What happened in South Africa in June 2010 is on the mind of every Ghanaian football loving fan,” Acheampong said.
“We thought that was a great opportunity for Ghana and Africa to stake a claim for the World Cup.
“We believed that we would have made the semi-final, and who knows the final, and possibly even winning it, Africa winning it for the first time.
“That particular handball, I think it broke a lot of hearts here in Ghana and across Africa in general.”
Acheampong, the treasurer of the Ghana Olympic Committee, is due to oversee a record team of 97 athletes at Birmingham 2022.
“I’m sure it will be an interesting game when Ghana meet up with Uruguay in Qatar,” he added.
