One of Africa’s representatives, the Black Stars of Ghana would take on a South Korean side lead by their star man, Son Heung-min in their second round of Group H matches.
A fixture, many has termed would be a crunchy match between both sides eager to keep their World Cup hopes alive.
Following all the controversies around a penalty awarded the Portuguese Skipper who made no mistake in finishing it off, Ghana fell to a 3-2 defeat to Portugal on the opening day, while south Korea earned a point against Uruguay.
Coming in as the lowest-ranked team of the tournament, little was expected of this Ghanaian side. But what they lack in quality, they make up for in tenacity. They pushed Portugal to the hilt and were unfortunate to not come away with at least a point.
Ghana, led by their tireless captain, André Ayew, showed in their first game that they aren’t going to be pushovers. Mohammed Kudus, the 22-year-old Ajax midfielder, is the X factor of this Ghanaian side, and his sharp movements created problems for Portugal.
But questions remain over their defense, which capitulated in the second half. Portugal’s three goals flattered their performance on the night.
South Korea’s goalless draw against Uruguay was the first time that both sides have failed to have a shot on target in a World Cup match this century.
The Taeguk Warriors’ defensive quartet of Kims deserve credit for keeping a clean sheet against an attack featuring Darwin Nunez, Luis Suarez, Federico Valverde and Edinson Cavani. Ayew and his team will have their work cut out for them against this South Korea side, which has prevented its opponents from scoring in its last three games and has conceded just six goals in its last eight games.
It’s a crunch game for both sides. A win would boost South Korea’s chances of qualification and they would be able to enter their final game against a fancied Portugal with the comfort of already having four points on the board.
Ghana need to avoid defeat to remain in the competition. They take on Uruguay in a tantalising final group game, in which they’ll be looking to exact revenge for Suarez’s handball clearance in the 2010 World Cup quarter-final.