HT: Uruguay 0-1 Ghana - Muntari scores on stroke of half time

Sulley Muntari justified his recall by giving Ghana a half-time lead in their World Cup quarter-final with Uruguay at the Soccer City Stadium.

The former Portsmouth player, who replaced the suspended Andre Ayew, struck with a 25-yard effort in injury-time which left Uruguay goalkeeper Fernando Muslera flat-footed.

Uruguay were bidding to reach their first World Cup semi-final for 40 years while Ghana were hoping to become the first African side to seal a last-four spot.

Diego Forlan made the first incisive break and found Alvaro Fernandez in space on the right but his control let him down and his eventual cross sailed across the face of goal.

Ghana keeper Richard Kingson was forced to make the first save but he was not overly tested by Luis Suarez's shot from a narrow angle after he had shaken off Isaac Vorsah's challenge.

Kingson looked unconvincing in punching a fiercely driven free-kick from Forlan straight into the air although he was fouled by Suarez when challenging for the loose ball.

But Uruguay were dominating possession and it needed a reflex save from Kingson to deny them the opening goal.

Forlan's corner was flicked on by Edinson Cavani and took a deflection off John Mensah but Kingson was able to parry the ball away.

Uruguay left-back Jorge Fucile became the first player to picked up a yellow card after 20 minutes for a challenge on Asamoah.

Forlan was looking sharp and curled a 20 yarder past the post after linking up with Edinson Cavani.

Then Kingson did well to tip over a first-time shot on the turn from Suarez.

But Ghana came to life and twice went close to taking the lead inside 60 seconds.

First Vorsah failed to hit the target with a free header from Muntari's corner, and then Asamoah Gyan's first-time shot was only a couple of feet wide from Kevin Prince Boateng's run and cross into the box.

Uruguay were forced to make a change after 38 minutes with the injured Diego Lugano making way for Andres Scotti.

Ghana were now on top and Muntari got up well at the far post but he headed back across the face of goal.

Boateng was not far off target with a spectacular overhead kick before Muntari's strike in stoppage time broke the deadlock.