Carlos Queiroz launched a scathing attack on VAR officials after Ghana’s hard‑fought goalless draw with England, accusing them of being “on vacation” and overlooking a clear penalty and red card that could have secured the Black Stars a famous win. Speaking at the Gillette Stadium, the Portuguese coach praised his players’ resilience and defensive discipline but vented frustration at what he called a decisive refereeing lapse in the second half.
“A clear penalty, red card. Any doubts? You watched the game—any doubts? Or is it only me?” Queiroz asked sarcastically. “I’m not sure VAR is still working at this World Cup. Another clear penalty against England was ignored. VAR went for coffee. That’s natural. I’d like them to take my coffees once in a while too.
The incident in question occurred when substitute Prince Adu broke through the England defence and appeared to be brought down by goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, with Queiroz insisting it was both a penalty and a red card offence.
Despite the controversy, Carlos Queiroz lavished praise on his players for executing a disciplined 4‑5‑1 system that blunted England’s attacking threat for long stretches. The Black Stars restricted the Three Lions to six first‑half attempts, none on target.
“That was a tough game, no doubt—very competitive, very intense,” Queiroz reflected. “The first 45 minutes belonged to England; they expressed their football. We implemented our strategic plan—to block and frustrate them from the first minute to the end of the half—and we succeeded.”
He added, “This showed that football is not only about tactics and technique. It’s about bravery, courage, determination, intelligence. In terms of football, they were better. In terms of fighting spirit and determination, we were better.”
The Ghana coach also singled out goalkeeper Benjamin Asare, who deputised for the injured Lawrence Ati‑Zigi with a composed display. “Normally, I don’t like to highlight individuals, but he deserves applause. He was brilliant,” Queiroz said.
Asare was one of four changes to the Ghana lineup, with Thomas Partey returning from his visa-enforced absence, alongside Kwasi Sibo, Inaki Williams, and the Hearts of Oak goalkeeper. Queiroz also revealed that he is not yet sure if Ati-Zigi will be fit for Ghana’s final group match against Croatia on June 28, where a win would guarantee qualification for the knockout stages.
“We lost four players weeks before the World Cup—Salisu, Kudus, lost Zigi against Panama, and Djiku days before we started camping,” Queiroz said. “To rebuild in two weeks, since I took the team, I had 14 training sessions with them. The dedication and commitment of the players are brilliant. A unique experience in my life.”
When asked about a heated exchange with Jude Bellingham at half-time, Queiroz played down the incident. “It was just the normal things of football. Football cannot turn into a salon of dancing with tuxedos. This is something for brave people,” he said.
Queiroz also addressed Djed Spence’s decision not to shake hands with Thomas Partey, refusing to be drawn into any political narrative. “We refuse to be part of people that try to bring dust and politics inside the game. We fight to keep the front lines sacred,” he said.
With four points from two matches, Ghana are well placed to reach the knockout stages for the first time since 2010. But Queiroz insisted the job is not yet done. “We have won nothing yet. We’re just on our way to reach the main goal, which is to qualify the team for the second round,” he said.
“And I would like to remind everyone that we lost four players weeks before the World Cup. This effort that the team is doing is dedicated to these four players—starting members of the squad.
Source: Kweku Zurek
