African contenders Ghana and South American side Uruguay will compete for a place in the World Cup semi-finals at Soccer City here on July 2 after both sides came through tight last-16 matches on Saturday.
Ghana reached the last eight for the first time by beating the United States 2-1 after extra time in Rustenburg, while Uruguay overcame South Korea by the same scoreline at Port Elizabeth Stadium in Nelson Mandela Bay.
The Black Stars are bidding to become the first African side to reach the semifinals of the tournament, while former champion Uruguay is hoping to make it to the last four for the first time since 1970.
“It’s incredible, we’ve created history, it’s the first time that Ghana have reached the quarter-finals,” said Ghana right-back John Pantsil. “We played for 120 minutes and everyone gave his best.”
Asamoah Gyan was Ghana’s match-winner, smashing home the winning goal in the third minute of extra time after shrugging off a challenge from Rennes club-mate Carlos Bocanegra on the edge of the American penalty area.
“I am the happiest man in the world,” said Gyan. “In 2006 we made the second round, now we have gone a step further. We have made Ghana proud and the whole of Africa proud.”
Quarter-Finals: FIFA WORLD CUP 2010
