Uruguay star Federico Valverde celebrates in ref’s face after penalty

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Uruguay midfielder Federico Valverde struggled to keep his emotions in check as he exploded in celebration in the face of German referee Daniel Siebert after Ghana saw a first-half penalty saved – before both teams were dumped out of the World Cup in jaw-dropping style. This match needed no introduction following the dramatic 2010 clash between these sides in South Africa, when Luis Suarez was vilified for handling the ball off the line for his country.

Asamoah Gyan famously smashed the spot-kick off the bar and over before Uruguay went on to reach the semi-finals with victory on penalties.

The people of Ghana have never forgotten the pain they suffered that day as the Black Stars looked to carry out revenge on Uruguay in their quest to get out of Group H.

Andre Ayew was on the bench that day and he had a chance to put Ghana in front in Qatar when Mohammed Kudus was fouled by Uruguay goalkeeper Sergio Rochet.

Uruguay were incensed with the penalty decision which came via an extensive VAR check before Rochet denied the former West Ham and Swansea forward with a comfortable save.

Real Madrid midfielder Valverde then daringly celebrated in the face of the referee – somehow avoiding punishment.

Valverde evidentially had something to say about the decision with Uruguay adamant it should not have been a penalty.

Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez was also booked for trying to scuff the penalty spot before the kick was taken.

Ghana’s players had done everything they could to prevent it from happening, crowding the penalty spot by forming a defensive wall.

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The Black Stars knew from 2010 that Uruguay would be prepared to call upon gamesmanship in any way possible in order to grind out a win.

A draw would have been enough to take Ghana through in second place after they successfully dispatched South Korea 3-2 on Monday.

However, Uruguay found the net twice in the first half through the inspired Giorgian de Arrascaeta.

Uruguayan supporters had been begging manager Diego Alonso to play the attacking midfielder and his faith in the 28-year-old was rewarded with a fine brace.

But things would take a stunning twist deep into the second half when South Korea put themselves ahead against Portugal following Hwang Hee-chan’s late winner at the Education City Stadium.

Suarez could barely keep his emotions in check as he began to cry on the Uruguay bench. This was undoubtedly among the worst emotions he has ever experienced in football.

Still, his side would quality if they could muster a late goal in stoppage time by Ghana stood tall to dish out a taste of Uruguay’s own medicine.

In the end, it was South Korea who snuck through in second place as both Uruguay and Ghana were sent home following incredibly unpredictable drama in Qatar.

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