When Ghana face Uruguay on Friday of their decisive closing World Cup group match, one identify can be on the minds of many from the West African nation: Luis Suarez. The Uruguay striker broke Ghanaian hearts on the 2010 World Cup when his deliberate handball stopped a sure aim within the dying levels of their quarter-final. Suarez was despatched off however Asamoah Gyan missed the ensuing penalty — cue wild celebrations from Suarez on the sidelines — and Uruguay then beat the Black Stars within the penalty shootout.

It is a darkish day scorched deep within the reminiscence of many Ghanaian soccer followers.

“We were waiting to celebrate, but we cried in the streets,” mentioned Samuel Quist, 36, shopping for a Ghana crew shirt within the capital Accra in preparation for Friday’s sport.

“I hated that day.”

This time it’s Uruguay who’re up in opposition to it — a Ghana win would put them into the final 16 and ship Uruguay residence, however a draw for Ghana may be sufficient.

Current Ghana skipper Andre Ayew, the one participant left from the 2010 squad, tried to minimize discuss of revenge.

“Everyone felt bad (in 2010) but for me I just want to get to the next stage,” he informed reporters in Qatar.

“Revenge or not, we would go with the same determination and desire to win because we want to get to the next stage.”

“I am not looking back, I don’t want to focus on the past,” added the softly spoken 32-year-old ahead.

But attempt telling that to folks in Ghana who should not prepared to forgive or neglect Uruguay and particularly Suarez, the feisty 35-year-old striker who has been banned from soccer previously for biting opponents.

“Luis Suarez, Luis Suarez, we all remember, so it is revenge on Friday,” mentioned Philip Sheshe, 32, exterior a market retailer promoting Ghana jerseys.

“On that day the ball was meant to enter the net but he used his hand.”

That sentiment was echoed by ruling-party lawmaker Collins Adomako-Mensah.

“They gave us a very powerful defeat. We have never forgiven Suarez,” he informed AFP.

“He should expect fireworks from our boys.

“Just as we cried 12 years in the past, he’ll cry on Friday.”

(This story has not been edited by NDTV workers and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

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