Carlos Queiroz has criticized VAR officials following Ghana’s hard-won scoreless draw against England, asserting they were “on holiday” and overlooked a blatant penalty and red card that could have secured the Black Stars a remarkable triumph.
In his post-match comments at the Gillette Stadium, the Portuguese manager commended his players’ tenacity and defensive structure but couldn’t mask his irritation regarding what he termed a crucial refereeing oversight in the second half.
“A definite penalty, red card. Do you have any doubts about that? You who watched the match, do you have any doubts about that? Or is it just me who witnessed the game?” Queiroz exclaimed, his tone laced with sarcasm.
He elaborated, “I’m uncertain whether VAR is still operational in the World Cup. I have some uncertainties about that because another penalty that should’ve been awarded to Ghana, a clear one against England. VAR seems to have gone out for coffee. That’s natural. I’d appreciate if they could also take my coffee every now and then.”
The contentious incident arose when substitute Prince Adu surged through the England defense and seemingly was fouled by goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, with Queiroz maintaining it was both a penalty and a red card infraction.
In spite of the controversy, Queiroz lauded his players, who adhered to a disciplined 4-5-1 formation that successfully thwarted England’s attacking prowess for significant stretches. The Black Stars restricted the Three Lions to merely six first-half attempts, none of which were accurate.
“It was a challenging match, without a doubt. Highly competitive, intense,” Queiroz remarked. “The first 45 minutes featured England playing. They showcased their football. We implemented our strategic approach. It was all about obstructing them and frustrating them from the first minute till the close of the first half, which we accomplished.”
He went on: “This demonstrated that a football game encompasses more than just tactics and techniques. It involves bravery, courage, determination, and intelligence. The first half was a display of that. They excelled in terms of football. We excelled in terms of fighting spirit and resolve.”
The Ghana coach further praised the performance of Benjamin Asare, who filled in for the injured Lawrence Ati-Zigi and delivered a composed performance. “Typically, I refrain from discussing individual players. But he certainly deserves applause. He was outstanding,” Queiroz noted.
Asare was among four alterations to the Ghana lineup, with Thomas Partey returning from his visa-related absence, alongside Kwasi Sibo, Inaki Williams, and the Hearts of Oak goalkeeper.
Queiroz also shared that he is unsure if Ati-Zigi will be fit for Ghana’s final group encounter against Croatia on June 28, where a victory would ensure advancement to the knockout rounds.
“We lost four players weeks before the World Cup—Salisu, Kudus, lost Zigi against Panama, and Djiku just days before we commenced our camp,” Queiroz mentioned. “To rebuild in two weeks, since I took over the team, I’ve conducted 14 training sessions with them. The dedication and commitment of the players are remarkable. A singular experience in my life.”
When inquired about a heated altercation with Jude Bellingham at halftime, Queiroz downplayed the incident. “It was simply the usual happenings of football. Football shouldn’t transform into a parlor dance in tuxedos. This is a domain for the brave,” he remarked.
Queiroz additionally addressed Djed Spence’s choice not to greet Thomas Partey, opting not to engage in any political discourse. “We reject being a part of those who attempt to introduce drama and politics into the game. We strive to preserve the sanctity of the frontline,” he asserted.
With four points from two contests, Ghana are in a strong position to advance to the knockout stages for the first time since 2010. Nonetheless, Queiroz emphasized that the task remains incomplete. “We haven’t won anything yet. We’re merely progressing towards our primary objective, which is to qualify the team for the next round,” he concluded.
