Backlash after missing Uruguay penalty was intense and took a toll on me – Asamoah Gyan
Former Black Stars captain Asamoah Gyan has revealed that the backlash he faced after missing the penalty against Uruguay in the 2010 World Cup quarterfinal was intense and took a toll on him.The match was tied at 1-1, and with only seconds remaining, Luis Suarez infamously handled the ball on the goal line to prevent a certain Ghanaian goal, resulting in his red card and a penalty awarded to Ghana.Gyan, who had successfully converted penalties earlier in the tournament, stepped up to take the crucial kick but sent the ball soaring over the crossbar.This miss proved costly, as Ghana eventually lost 4-2 in the subsequent penalty shootout, leading to their elimination from the tournament.“The backlash was intense and it took a toll on me,” Gyan admitted at the Afro Sports Summit in Accra.“But it also made me realize the importance of mental health. Athletes need to take mental health issues seriously and seek help when needed.”Gyan also highlighted the influence of former defender Sammy Kuffour, who served as a mentor and source of inspiration.“Sammy Kuffour was a trailblazer. His vision and tenacity for creating wealth helped me through some of my toughest times...
Former Black Stars captain Asamoah Gyan has revealed that the backlash he faced after missing the penalty against Uruguay in the 2010 World Cup quarterfinal was intense and took a toll on him.
The match was tied at 1-1, and with only seconds remaining, Luis Suarez infamously handled the ball on the goal line to prevent a certain Ghanaian goal, resulting in his red card and a penalty awarded to Ghana.
Gyan, who had successfully converted penalties earlier in the tournament, stepped up to take the crucial kick but sent the ball soaring over the crossbar.
This miss proved costly, as Ghana eventually lost 4-2 in the subsequent penalty shootout, leading to their elimination from the tournament.
“The backlash was intense and it took a toll on me,” Gyan admitted at the Afro Sports Summit in Accra.
“But it also made me realize the importance of mental health. Athletes need to take mental health issues seriously and seek help when needed.”
Gyan also highlighted the influence of former defender Sammy Kuffour, who served as a mentor and source of inspiration.
“Sammy Kuffour was a trailblazer. His vision and tenacity for creating wealth helped me through some of my toughest times before and after my footballing career.”
