- Queiroz Urges Caution as Ghana Move Closer to World Cup Knockout Stage
Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz has warned against premature celebrations after the Black Stars earned a hard-fought 0-0 draw against England in their FIFA World Cup Group L clash, insisting that qualification for the Round of 16 remains the team’s primary objective.
The stalemate at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough moved Ghana onto four points in a highly competitive Group L, leaving the Black Stars within touching distance of the knockout stage ahead of their final group match against Croatia on June 28.
Despite the positive result against one of the tournament favourites, Queiroz stressed that his side had not yet achieved their mission. “We have not won anything yet,” the Portuguese coach said after the match. “We’re just on our way to reaching the main goal, which is to qualify for the second round of the World Cup.”
Ghana produced a disciplined and resilient performance to frustrate the Three Lions, who dominated possession but struggled to create clear-cut opportunities against a well-organised Black Stars defence.
Queiroz revealed that his tactical plan was designed specifically to neutralise England’s strengths, and he was delighted with the way his players executed their responsibilities throughout the contest.
“England expressed their football in the first half, but we put in place our strategic plan to block and frustrate them from the first minute,” he explained. “We succeeded on all fronts. We stopped their set-pieces, their crosses, their wing attacks and their build-up play. The players showed concentration, determination, bravery and intelligence.”
The coach argued that modern football is about far more than controlling possession, pointing to Ghana’s fighting spirit as a key reason for securing a valuable point.
“Possession of the ball is not football,” Queiroz said. “Football is attitude, determination, intelligence and knowing when to defend and when to attack. We showed all of that. We never stopped trying to score and we always believed we could hurt England.”
The Black Stars improved after the break and created opportunities of their own, with Queiroz claiming his side deserved more from the encounter. The former Portugal and Iran coach was particularly critical of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), suggesting Ghana were denied a penalty and a potential red card decision in the second half.
With characteristic humour, he questioned whether VAR officials were paying attention during key moments of the match.
“I think VAR went for a coffee,” he joked. “In my opinion, there was a clear penalty for Ghana and possibly a red card as well. But overall, the draw was a fair result. England had more possession, but we matched them with our determination and created chances too.”
One of the standout performers for Ghana was goalkeeper Benjamin Asare, who kept a clean sheet with a composed display between the posts. Queiroz, who rarely singles out individuals for praise, acknowledged the goalkeeper’s contribution.
“Benjamin deserves applause,” he said. “He was brilliant. But what pleases me most is that we have a squad ready to perform whenever called upon. Success is not achieved with just 11 players. It requires a complete team.”
The coach also paid tribute to the collective effort of his squad, highlighting the unity that has developed despite several injury setbacks before and during the tournament.
According to Queiroz, Ghana have had to cope without several key players, including Mohammed Salisu, Mohammed Kudus, Lawrence Ati-Zigi and Alexander Djiku, making the team’s performances even more impressive.
“We lost important players before and during the World Cup,” he noted. “To rebuild so quickly has been amazing. The commitment and dedication of the players have been outstanding. This is a unique experience in my career.”
Queiroz reserved special praise for the supporters back home, dedicating the team’s latest result to Ghanaian fans and injured teammates who have been forced to watch from the sidelines.
“We have to dedicate this effort to the fans of Ghana,” he said. “They deserve it. The players gave everything for the country, for the supporters and for those teammates who are unable to be here with us.”
With four points from two matches, Ghana now control their destiny heading into a decisive final group encounter against Croatia. Victory would guarantee a place in the Round of 16 and continue the Black Stars’ quest for a memorable World Cup campaign.
For now, however, Queiroz is determined to keep his players grounded. “The points in this World Cup are very expensive,” he said. “You have to fight for every one of them. We are happy with the result, but our work is not finished. Now our full focus is on Croatia.”
