HATE is a strong word – but that's the sentiment felt in Ghana towards World Cup "devil" Luis Suarez.
The Uruguayan ace denied Ghana of a World Cup semi-final in South Africa 12 years ago.
Suarez, now 35, denied a certain goal late on with his hand, resulting in a red card and a penalty.
Asamoah Gyan missed the spot-kick and Uruguay went on to book their place in the semi-finals against Holland with a 4-2 win on penalties following a 1-1 draw in normal and extra-time.
And time has not been much of a healer for Gyan, who says Suarez is hated in Ghana for his blatant cheating – being referred to as "the devil himself".
The two sides meet again on Friday, but this time in the group stages, and Ghana have the chance to exact revenge on Suarez and Co by knocking them out of the competition.
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Ghana occupy second, while Uruguay sit bottom of the group on one point.
Gyan said on Suarez: "Back home, everybody who watched the game, they dislike Suarez.
"He is a hero in Uruguay although people in Ghana see him as a cheat. People do hate him."
Suarez has previously said his actions were "worth it", as Uruguay progressed into the next round.
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The remorseless 513 career-goal striker snubbed the opportunity to apologise in Thursday's pre-match press conference, saying: "I don't apologise about that, I took the handball, but Ghana player missed the penalty.
"I'd apologise if i injured a player or took a red card for this, but I took a red card (for the handball).
"It wasn't my fault because I didn't miss the penalty.
"You see the player who missed the penalty, he said he would do the same."
'Strong dent in my career'
Suarez is right; the penalty miss by Gyan is not his fault.
And the shocking attempt will live with Gyan for the rest of his life, the Ghana ace has said.
In LeGyanDary, his autobiography released this year, Gyan said: "The penalty miss will continue to be a strong dent in my career as far as every football-loving Ghanaian is concerned.
"I understand how much pain remains in the hearts of Ghanaians and Africans alike.
"I missed that penalty and I carry the guilt and pain of that miss.
"The trauma still remains as clear as daylight.
"Sometimes I wake up in the morning and remember events from that day and my heart loses its joy.
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"I feel I let down myself and the country and it is a daily struggle to keep it out of mind.
"I wish God would take me back to that spot a second time so I could change time but those are just wishes that will never come to pass."
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