2014 World Cup: Ghana coach moves on from 2010 Uruguay heartache

Published on: 24 March 2014
2014 World Cup: Ghana coach moves on from 2010 Uruguay heartache
Kwesi Appiah

Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah says they have moved on from the heartbreaking moment of losing in the quarter-final of the 2010 World Cup against Uruguay under bizarre circumstances, insisting they are fully focused on excelling at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

A handball on the goal-line by Luis Suarez prevented the Black Stars from being the first African side to reach the semi-final of the World Cup in South Africa.

Even though the referee whistled for a penalty kick, Asamoah Gyan's powerful strike grazed the crossbar which could have sealed victory for the Ghanaians at the competition.

Ghana went on to lose 4-2 in the shoot-out to Uruguay, which broke the hearts of millions of Africans who were supporting the Black Stars.

Appiah, who was then the assistant coach of the Ghana national team, says they have moved on from the episode of the 2010 World Cup, focusing firmly on the World Cup in Brazil in June.

“I don’t really want to think about that anymore,” he told FIFA Weekly.

“Going out to Uruguay was very painful. If we’d won the penalty shoot-out then we could have gone all the way.

“Now we’re looking forward to Brazil. All of my players are at very good clubs so there’s no reason to be cautious. We’re going there full of confidence."

Ghana will play USA, Germany and Portugal in Group G of the 2014 World Cup.

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