Queiroz praised his players for executing a clear tactical plan aimed at frustrating one of the tournament favourites….reports Asian Lite News desk
Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz insisted his side remains focused on reaching the knockout stage despite earning a valuable point in a goalless draw against England in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group L clash.
The result left both Ghana and England on four points from two matches, with qualification for the Round of 32 still to be decided in the final round of group fixtures.
“We have not won anything yet. We’re just on our way to reaching the main goal, which is to qualify for the second round of the World Cup,” Queiroz said after the match.
Ghana face Croatia in their final group game on June 28 and know that a victory would guarantee progression. The veteran Portuguese coach stressed the importance of every point in a tightly contested tournament.
“Points in this World Cup are terribly expensive. When you get one, you have to fight for it. Now we recover and focus on Croatia,” he said.
Queiroz praised his players for executing a clear tactical plan aimed at frustrating one of the tournament favourites. Ghana successfully restricted England’s attacking threats and denied the Three Lions space in dangerous areas throughout the match.
“We put in place our strategic plan. It was to block them and frustrate them. The usual solutions that they use to win games, we blocked them and succeeded on all fronts,” he said.
The 73 year old, appearing at his fifth World Cup and first with Ghana, also dismissed the significance of England’s dominance in possession.
“Possession is not football. I’ve seen teams with 80 per cent of the ball and no win. Football is also intelligence and strategy,” Queiroz said.
While acknowledging England’s credentials as potential World Cup winners, he said Ghana had come to compete rather than simply participate.
“We are here to play football and get points. We got a point against a team that can win the tournament,” he added.
The draw keeps Ghana firmly in contention for a place in the knockout rounds, with everything to play for against Croatia.
