Gianni Truvianni's "South Africa 2010", Uruguay Takes It In Penalties

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Gianni Truvianni's "South Africa 2010", Uruguay Takes It In Penalties

Uruguay reached the semifinal of a world cup for the fifth time in their history yet not before high level drama unfolded itself in South Africa 2010. It coming in a last minute scramble in the Uruguayan penalty box which resembled more a volleyball match than one of football. It taking place just before most were expecting spot kicks to settle it all yet Ghana went forward when Uruguay perhaps felt their best chances were to be had in a contest of penalties. A ball came in was hit back yet Ghana insisted till eventually goalkeeper, Muselera had been beaten yet when it appeared a game winner was to come in the last second; Suarez's hand saved the day. This being like Kempes's hand which saved Argentina back in 78 and like then for Poland, so too was a penalty given for Ghana yet unlike Kempes; Suarez was shown the red card. This given changes in the rules but to Ghana, this meant very little at that moment; for they stood within a successful penalty kick of going to where no African team had ever been before in a world cup. This being the semifinal which could be done with one good kick to send thousands of colorful African fans in to a frenzy of victory. Gyan stepped up to take the spot kick with all the pressure of not only a nation but almost a continent pushing him to demonstrate that African football had arrived.

Gyan however struck hard and high, hitting the bar with a shot which bounced out off the penalty box; not even giving Ghana a chance to get the rebound yet it was all over; penalties would decide it all. This after a match which had not been much to look at other than it being a quarterfinal encounter with Uruguay trying to get back former glories while Ghana attempted to be among the world's top four in football. As for the game, it had been one of Uruguay controlling the first half and even seeming like they could score a bundle of goals if only Forlan and Suarez had shown better coordination and Ghana's defense had not been so solid along with their goalkeeper. Uruguay however did not score and lost their momentum, this being something which Ghana would take advantage of in the last minute of the first half to take the lead when a long shot bounced just right for Muntari to score.

Uruguay was down but not out and it was without despair and their star defender, Lugano who had to be replaced due to injury that they came back in the second half; to get what many Uruguayans still consider their rightful place in football. Forlan would get the equalizer off a great free kick at the 54 minute mark of the match which made the game more intense as time wore on with both teams knowing any mistake or great play could decide it. The 90 minutes of regular time would end, followed by the standard 30 minutes of overtime. It being in this time that we were treated to one of the most memorable moments not only of the game but of the world cup and quit possibly football history. Ghana coming ever so close yet not being able to just score a penalty.
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Penalties would begin with Uruguay scoring their first three spot kicks, one converted by Forlan while Ghana did likewise with their first two (one converted by Gyan, who had missed the one that counted most) yet failing in their third when Mensah's shot was saved by Muslera. This giving Uruguay the upper hand for the first time in the match yet they would be kind enough to return it when Pereira shot over the bar and returned both teams to another draw. Ghana however would miss their second penalty of the shoot out when Adiyiah's almost weak shot was saved by Muslera, to give his team another chance at entering the semifinal yet for this they would need to score that last penalty kick.

Sebastin Abreu would be left with this responsibility for Uruguay which he took with all the calmness of one of the greats, stepping up to take his penalty like a master of tension and suspense while both sets of fans watched in hope for either a miss or goal. Abreu however was in his own world, much like a surgeon who knows perfectly well what needs to be done. Abreu calmly with his left foot sending a soft shot in to the back of the net while Kinson dove to the wrong side, it being Aberu who had counted on his eager reaction with the use of the same technique and physiology Panenka had used so many years ago. Abreu like Panenka had scored, giving his team victory.

Uruguay with this win goes back to the semifinal after a 40 absence while Ghana did come ever so close yet was denied by perhaps Gyan's kick which was just 10 centimeters too high yet they did give a good account of themselves in defeat.

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