Kudus keeps Black Stars shining as Uruguay await

Ghana’s task is now clear: cast aside the spectre of Luis Suarez, bury the ghosts of Soccer City and earn a place in the knockout stage.

- Nick Ames

Their future in this tournament comes down to a cup final in miniature against Uruguay and perhaps fate had decided that at the moment Group H was drawn. If they win they will progress for the first time since 2010, when La Celeste denied them a place in the semi-finals with a helping hand that reverberates through World Cup lore.

That opportunity awaits because, against a largely excellent South Korea team, they were on top when the music stopped. This was a pulsating, thrilling game and Ghana were fortunate to win. Without Mohammed Kudus they would not have done so but the Ajax winger, who had been hotly tipped to enthral in Qatar, did not disappoint. The second of his two goals was coolly taken and rendered a whirlwind comeback from their opponents fruitless.

It meant they can now reckon with history although their manager, Otto Addo, played down any notion revenge would be a motivation when they face Suarez and company. It was a really, really long time ago when this incident happened,” he said.

“I’m a strong believer that, if you don’t seek too much revenge, sometimes you get more blessings.”