Uruguay v Ghana preview

Two-time winners Uruguay face Ghana in an intriguing World Cup quarter-final at Soccer City in Johannesburg on Friday.

The South Americans are favourites to progress to face either Brazil or Holland but it would be foolhardy to write off the Black Stars, especially with the support of the host continent behind them.

The game will pitch the silky skills of Diego Forlan and his team-mates against a well-organised Ghanaian side which combines skill with a physical presence.

Uruguay progressed into the knock-out phase as unbeaten Group A winners, beating South Africa and Mexico following the opening goalless stalemate with France.

Oscar Tabarez's side then went on to beat South Korea 2-1 in the last 16, with a brace from hot-shot Luis Suarez sealing progression.

Ghana qualified for the last 16 as Group D runners-up, a 1-0 opening victory over Serbia followed by a 1-1 draw with Australia and 1-0 defeat to Germany.

Milovan Rajevac's side were the only African representatives in the knock-out phase and they pushed on once more thanks to a 2-1 extra-time victory over USA.

Kevin-Prince Boateng's early opener and Asamoah Gyan's extra-time winner saw Ghana progress as the only group runners-up to make the last eight.

Team news

Diego Godin has been ruled out of Uruguay's starting line-up after suffering a thigh injury during the victory over South Korea.

The defender was forced out of the action at the interval of last Saturday's second round triumph and has failed to recover in time to start, although he may still earn a place on the bench.

Mauricio Victorino will deputise in Godin's absence after he stepped off the bench and performed well against the Koreans.

In the other change to his side, coach Tabarez has brought in Alvaro Fernandez for Alvaro Pereira in midfield.

That means Fernando Muslera starts in goal behind a back four of Maxi Pereira, Diego Lugano, Victorino and Jorge Fucile.

Diego Perez, Egidio Arevalo and Fernandez make up the midfield with attacking trio Suarez, Forlan and Edinson Cavani up front.

For Ghana, three-goal leading scorer Gyan is confident that he will be fit for the clash after picking up an ankle knock in training on Monday and then missing two training sessions as a pre-caution.

Fellow goalscorer Boateng is also expected to be fit after suffering a thigh injury which caused him to miss training on Monday.

In other positive news, Isaac Vorsah is back in training and could feature while defenders John Mensah and Samuel Inkoom should be fit enough to be in contention.

Inter Milan midfielder Sulley Muntari is hoping to make his first start in the finals following bust-ups with Rajevac.

The 25-year-old could come back into the fold in the absence of the suspended Dede Ayew, while Jonathan Mensah is also suspended for the Black Stars.