SecIn the age of Me Automated Offline Technology and Golline Technology, can a ghost appear through its electronic eyes? Even if it is the ghost of the penalty itself. In the Uruguay-Ghana match, the old penalty was miraculously brought back, even though it wasn’t supposed to happen!
A Thursday earlier, Ghana’s Asamoah Gyan’s penalty hit the bar. This time Andre Ayew’s shot was saved by Uruguay goalkeeper Sergio Rochet. Andre is still in the Ghana team. Andre Ayew was a spectator on the substitutes’ bench when the penalty was taken. Andre and Jordan’s half-brother Ibrahim was also among the substitutes that day. All are children of the very famous Abedi Pele. After Eusebio, Abedi Pele is the player who became Africa’s superstar. If Abedi Ayew’s name is in the middle of Pele, there is no need to look for the reason.
Ghana had a chance of qualifying for the semis that day. While celebrating the victories of Ghana, Cameroon and Morocco, one must inquire why an African team has yet to at least make it to the semi-finals. South Korea made it from Asia.
Uruguay may not have counted on Portugal losing their final match against Korea. After winning two games and securing the pre-quarters, there is a possibility that the teams who are experimenting in the final match will lose. France thus lost. Brazil followed. Cameroon is famous for beating Argentina in 1990. Brazil is apart of that. Even though he lost, Martinelli’s game would have been welcomed by Brazil coach Tite.
Naturally, Warr could not solve all the problems that might arise with whistle-blowing. The referee has the final decision on war notices. German referee Daniel Siebert, who officiated the Uruguay-Ghana match, was erratic at times.
Daniel Amerti’s block on Uruguay’s Darwin Nunez was ruled out by referee Siebert after reviewing the video. But Siebert was not ready to check the video when Edinson Cavani and Seydu fell after a test of strength at the last moment. After the match ended, the Uruguayan players’ protest escalated into fistfights against the referees.
Had Uruguay played well against Portugal and Korea, they could have progressed as they had the kelp to do so. Uruguay will be the team leading the way in putting pressure on the referee. If there is an award for negativity, like the Fair Play Award, they will get it.
Warr upheld the verdict that Ghana’s best player, Mohammed Kuduz, was brought down by Goalie Rochette. Although Rochet jumped to block the ball, it can be thought that Rochet tried to pull Quduz’s leg. Rochette protested at length. Arasqueta, who scored both of Uruguay’s goals, seemed to kick Kuduz’s body as if he didn’t know. This should have caught War’s eye.
Uruguay’s long-time coach Oscar Tabarez has been replaced by youngster Diego Alonso. But there is no change in their game.
The game will need the intensity, grit and grit that Uruguay brings to the game. But trying to stretch the law and take advantage will get them nowhere. The fans enjoyed the creativity in their play, winning the Olympics and the World Cup in their debut season. The lack of it today may put them on the wrong side of the crowd.