Black Stars head coach Otto Addo has indicated that there is unity and togetherness in the camp of the Ghanaian team ahead of its final group stage match against Uruguay this afternoon.
The black stars take on the South American side in a ‘do and die’ affairs at the Al Janoub Stadium for a place in the round of 16 of the ongoing competition.
Speaking to the GFA’s communication team ahead of the match Otto Addo said there’s a unifying front among themselves.
“We are together, it’s a good atmosphere here and the boys are pushing each other. I hope we keep the energy and hopefully we will go far.
“It’s important to know where you are coming from and I think we have done well though we are not there yet,” he noted.
He also praised his boys for their mental toughness and dedication as they aim to seal a win and advance to the next stage of the competition.
“We are gradually picking up and I know the boys will show a lot of fight and a lot of passion. I am sure our efforts will be rewarded, and we will go to the next stage”, he said.
Ghanaians have termed the day’s game a revenge following the controversial loss to Uruguay in the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.
Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez in the said game saved a goal-bound ball in the dying minutes of extra time to save his team from elimination and prevented Ghana from becoming the first African country to make it to the semifinals of the World Cup.
Although Ghana was awarded a penalty, Asamoah Gyan failed to convert the spot kick, after which the team lost in a post-match shootouts.
Coach Addo, however, has contrary view going into the game which is speculated to be one of revenge. He noted that they are fully prepared for the game but not to take revenge.
“For me it’s a normal game. But like everyone, I was also really sad in 2010 when that incident happened, and we missed our chance to proceed to the semis but it’s 12 years ago and Friday will be a different match with a different approach. We are confident enough to know that we can beat them and make it to the next round.
“Andre will be important for us just like everybody. It’s about a team. He lived it and experienced what happened in 2010. We know with team work and hard work we can achieve a lot in this World Cup.”
He also ceased the opportunity and thanked the fans who have made their way to Qatar to support the Black Stars as well as fans in Ghana and across the world
“We thank the fans and I know the boys are ready to express their appreciation on the pitch. We urge the supporters to be behind the team on Friday and hopefully in our subsequent matches”, he added.
