Sebastian Abreu converts the final penalty for Uruguay as it reaches World Cup semifinals for the first time since 1970
View full sizeGhana's John Mensah, right, heads the ball as Uruguay's Sebastian Abreu, left, and Ghana's John Pantsil look on during a World Cup quarterfinal. Uruguay won on penalty kicks, with Abreu converting the final attempt. JOHANNESBURG, South Africa - Uruguay reached the World Cup semifinals for the first time since 1970, beating Ghana 4-2 in a penalty shootout Friday after the teams played to a 1-1 draw.
Sebastian Abreu hit the final penalty for Uruguay.
Sulley Muntari gave Ghana the lead with a 35-yard left-footed strike seconds before halftime at Soccer City, but Diego Forlan tied the game on a free kick in the 55th minute
Asamoah Gyan had a chance to win the match for Ghana in extra time, but he hit the crossbar with a penalty after Luis Suarez was ejected for a hand ball on the goal line.
Uruguay will play the Netherlands in the semifinals on Tuesday in Cape Town.