What Bettors Need To Know: Ghana vs. Uruguay
Ghana (+170) vs. Uruguay (-181, 2)
At tournament start, both sides would have been tickled to make the quarterfinal round. In doing so, though, Ghana and Uruguay are especially giddy about having avoided big guns -- Brazil, Spain, Argentina and Germany -- in the final eight.
With passage to the semis at stake, these two longshots will cast away any inhibitions and play to their strengths.
For Uruguay, that means relying on the scintillating form of its two strikers Luis Suarez (three goals) and Diego Forlan (two goals), and a rock-steady backline that has conceded only one goal in four matches.
Ghana striker Asamoah GyanThe Black Stars are inspired by the prospect of being the first-ever African nation to advance to a World Cup semifinal, which has striker Asamoah Gyan (three goals) vowing to play over an ankle injury sustained in the extra-time Round of 16 victory over the United States.
"Uruguay are a difficult side but we don't care who we are going to play," Gyan told FIFA.com. "We are ready to play against anybody."
Chalk talk
Uruguay's reputation as a stout defending side has only been reinforced as the team posted clean sheets in all three group play matches against France, Mexico and South Africa. South Korea nicked La Celeste for a goal in the thrilling 2-1 Round of 16 encounter.
Such celebrated austerity makes the loss of starting defender Diego Godin (thigh) disconcerting. Mauricio Victorino, who subbed for Godin at half time in the Round of 16 victory over South Korea, is expected to get the nod on Friday.
Otherwise manager Oscar Tabarez has a full contingent, which is more than his counterpart can say.
Ghana's coach Milovan Rajevac has Kevin-Prince Boateng (hamstring) and Gyan (ankle) battling to be fit while defender Jonathan Mensah and midfielder Andre Ayew are definitely out due to yellow card accumulation. Inter Milan's Sulley Muntaro, who's been in Rajevac's crosshairs and was dropped for the African Cup of Nations, may start in Ayew's place.
Rajevac reportedly won't change tactics to deal with the Los Charruas' three-prong attack with Palermo poacher Edinson Cavani linking up with Suarez and Forlan upfront. The Black Stars mentor is banking on the side's boundless youth and skill, which have only flourished under the glare of the world spotlight.
Players to watchUruguay star Diego Forlan
Uruguay - Diego Forlan
The prodigious poacher netted a pair in the 3-0 victory over South Africa early in group play before ceding to Suarez, who has eclipsed him with three goals. At age 31, the Atletico Madrid striker is poised to make a grand statement to solidify his ranking as one of the game's most deadly finishers.
Ghana - John Mensah
The well-traveled fullback and captain will be relied upon to stabilize the Black Stars' backline as it tries to cope with Uruguay's unrelenting trilaterial attack. With a back ailment that has kept him out of training, Mensha is also part of the team's growing list of walking wounded.
On the pitch, the team's youthful stars will likely take their cue from the composed 27-year-old Sunderland defender in thwarting the opposition's attack.
Weather/pitch
Temps in Johannesburg are expected to dip into the 30s Fahrenheit with a slight chance of rain, which will give an edge to the Uruguayans who are used to bracing conditions. The pitch at the tournament's showcase venue, Soccer City Stadium, should be firm.
Years ending in zero
Uruguay hoisted the World Cup trophy twice -- in 1930 and 1950 -- and made it to the semifinals before losing to Brazil 3-1 in 1970. In Italy 20 years later, the South American squad was derailed 2-0 by the host nation in the Round of 16. Meanwhile, this is Ghana's second World Cup run as the team advanced to the Round of 16 in 2006.
Odds and sods
Despite their tough tackling rep, Uruguay have accumulated a modest three yellow cards in four matches. Only Spain, with a mere one, has fewer. ... Two of three of Gyan's team-leading tallies have come on penalty kicks. His only goal from the run of play came on his deadly strike three minutes into extra time in the victory over the U.S. .... Ghana are the only runner-up in group play to advance to the quarterfinals.