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Summary
Surprise contenders Ghana and 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 semi-finals of the tournament, while former champions Uruguay are hoping to make it to the last four for the first time since 1970. 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. Kevin-Prince Boateng had given Ghana a fifth-minute lead after breaking clear of the US defence, but Landon Donovan drew Bob Bradley's side level from the penalty spot in the 62nd minute. Earlier, Luis Suarez struck twice to end Uruguay's 40-year wait for a World Cup quarter-final appearance.The 23-year-old striker and captain of Dutch club Ajax opened the scoring after eight minutes and secured victory with a sumptuous curling shot 10 minutes from time. Victory for Uruguay continued the impressive form of South American teams at the first World Cup staged by Africa, with all five reaching the second round and Brazil and Argentina among the title favourites. But as Asia saw its challenge cut in half -- Japan face Paraguay in Pretoria on Tuesday -- South Korea coach Huh Jung-moo only had praise for his gallant Taeguk Warriors. Two-time champions Argentina face Mexico later on Sunday.
