I cannot get them out of my head, says Ghana's 2010 World Cup coach

Prince Narkortu Teye

I cannot get them out of my head, says Ghana's 2010 World Cup coach image

Eight years after his Ghana side were dramatically dumped out of the 2010 Fifa World Cup in South Africa, former Black Stars coach Milovan Rajevac has taken a reflection on the bittersweet campaign.

It was a cold night of pain and anguish in Johannesburg, when Ghana - Africa's only surviving side - suffered a penalty shootout (4-2) defeat to Uruguay in the quarter-finals.

The experience was more painful considering Ghana missed a last-gasp penalty in extra-time to win the game as Asamoah Gyan blasted his strike against the crossbar.

Uruguay striker Luis Suarez had slapped out a goal-bound Dominic Adiyiah header, drawing a penalty for the Black Stars.

"We achieved a remarkable journey," Rajevac narrated to Goal.

"We qualified from a very strong group with Germany, Australia and Serbia and without taking a lot of goals. 

"Then, we beat the United States before playing this historic match against Uruguay. 

"Everyone probably remember the incredible end of the game when Luis Suarez blocked a goal with his hand in the 120th minute and the missed on penalty that follows."

Ghana could have become the first African country to reach the last four of the World Cup had they won that game.

"Believe me, this end of the game and this elimination, I cannot get them out of my head," Rajevac added.

"That kind of game happens so rare- those that make you go into history. 

"Who knows, maybe if we had scored that penalty, we might have gone until the end [and become champions]. 

"I'm sure I'll never forget that moment. The luck that fled that day smiled on Luis Suarez and it even boosted him in his career."

Rajevac left Ghana after the World Cup, and has since gone on to have stints with Al-Ahli, Rudar Velenje as well as the national teams of Qatar and Algeria.

He currently manages the national side of Thailand.

 

Prince Narkortu Teye