FIFA World Cup 2026: Ghana coach Queiroz hails team's fighting display in goalless draw against England
Massachusetts, June 24
Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz expressed pride in team's fighting display after the Black Stars held England to a goalless draw in their Group L encounter of the FIFA World Cup 2026, at Boston Stadium on Tuesday, as per Reuters.
After their 4-2 win over Croatia, England were expected to continue their attacking momentum, but instead found themselves stifled by a spirited Ghana side, as they ended up sharing points. The draw leaves the African side on the brink of securing a place in the knockout stage of the World Cup.
After the match, Carlos Queiroz said he was proud of his players' fighting spirit and their commitment to sticking to the game plan throughout the match.
"I am so proud of the way our players fought during the game, how much they stand behind the plan, the game plan," said Queiroz as quoted by Reuters.
"When you have to defend, you defend. I cannot play samba when they play rock and roll. That's the name of the game, but the goal was exactly to finish the first half with the England team frustrated, with no solutions."
Queiroz said his players always believed they could compete against England, calling the Three Lions a strong World Cup contender. He added that the draw was a valuable achievement for Ghana.
"My players always believed that we had the chance to win against a great team. I will say, my humble opinion, England, they can be candidates to win the World Cup. But this is a result, an achievement," said Queiroz.
In the match, England dominated possession but struggled to break down a compact and disciplined Ghana defence. Ghana stayed organised with a five-man backline and limited England's chances, restricting them to long-range efforts in a first half that saw no shots on target.
Queiroz said Ghana grew into the game after halftime, believing England struggled to find answers to break them down. He added that both teams had chances to score, making the 0-0 draw a fair result.
"When they (England) went into halftime, they knew they don't have solutions to beat us and that was when we started to grow up and control the game. We could have scored. Unfortunately, we didn't do it, but I think also England could score. So a draw is a fair result," he said.
In the second half, England introduced Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford and Eberechi Eze to add more attacking threat, which improved their urgency. However, Ghana continued to defend resolutely and blocked key openings.
England's best chance came late when Nico O'Reilly hit the crossbar and Kane missed the rebound, while another late effort was cleared off the line in stoppage time. Despite sustained pressure, England failed to score, with Ghana earning a valuable point through a strong defensive display.
— ANI
Reader Comments
I'm not a huge football follower, but this is impressive. Ghana held their ground against one of the favourites. Shows that passion and discipline can match big budgets. 🇮🇳 We need more of this spirit in Indian sports too - not just in cricket!
Hats off to Carlos Queiroz! He's done it again - first with Iran, now with Ghana. That comment "We cannot play samba when they play rock and roll" - pure gold! 😂 Shows smart tactics can level the playing field. England had all the possession but no real chances. Ghana's five-man backline was rock solid.
I'm slightly disappointed though. I love attacking football, and watching Ghana park the bus for 90 minutes wasn't very entertaining. But I get it - results matter, and this gives them a real chance to reach the knockouts. Queiroz is a pragmatist. Still, I wish they had shown more ambition in the second half when England were frustrated.
As an England fan living in India, this was frustrating to watch! 😤 We had so much possession but couldn't break them down. Ghana were well organised, I'll give them that. But England need to find a plan B against teams that sit deep. Saka and Rashford should have started. Still, hat tip to Ghana - they deserved the point.
This is what makes the World Cup magical! Small teams with big hearts. 🇬🇭 Ghana's defenders were putting their bodies on the line - that last minute clearance off the line was incredible. Reminds
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