Home Blog Page 2

KEY FACTS AND MATCH DETAILS: Colombia vs Ghana (Round of 32)

D O
-
0
KEY FACTS AND MATCH DETAILS: Colombia vs Ghana (Round of 32)

It will be a make-or-break encounter in Kansas City as the Black Stars of Ghana come up against Colombia on Friday evening for a place in the Round of 16 of the ongoing FIFA World Cup.

This match is scheduled for Kansas City Stadium on Friday, 3 July 2026, at 8:30 p.m. ET (1:30 a.m. Ghana Time – Saturday).

CHECK KEY FACTS AND DETAILS FOR THE HISTORIC SHOWDOWN

Officials

Referee: Clement TURPIN (FRA)
Assistant referee 1: Nicolas DANOS (FRA)
Assistant referee 2: Benjamin PAGES (FRA)
Fourth official: Alejandro HERNANDEZ (ESP)
Reserve assistant referee: Jose Enrique NARANJO (ESP)
Video assistant referee (VAR): Jerome BRISARD (FRA)
Assistant VAR (AVAR): Willy DELAJOD (FRA)
Support VAR: Ming FU (CHN)

Match background

Ghana are back in the FIFA World Cup™ knockout stage for the first time since a quarter-final appearance in 2010. Their opponents at Kansas City Stadium, Colombia, finished top of Group K and have progressed from their group for the fourth time.

An entertaining goalless draw with Portugal at Miami Stadium saw Colombia finish on seven points as they topped their group for a third successive participation. La Tricolor’s first six points came courtesy of wins over Uzbekistan (3-1) and Congo DR (1-0), with Daniel Muñoz scoring in both victories.

Although they lost 2-1 to Croatia in their final Group L contest in Philadelphia, Ghana had already done enough to qualify in third place on four points, having edged past Panama 1-0 and held group winners England to a goalless draw.

KEY FACTS

This is the first meeting between Colombia and Ghana.


Colombia have won four matches in a row against CAF teams at the FIFA World Cup™

since a 2-1 extra-time defeat against Cameroon in the 1990 round of 16 – their first such encounter and their only previous knockout fixture against an African opponent.

This is Colombia’s third successive qualification to the knockout phase, and their fourth overall.


La Tricolor progressed though the group stage unbeaten for only the second time. The only previous instance came back in 2014, when they went on to win their opening five fixtures before a 2-1 quarter-final defeat against Brazil.


The 0-0 draw against Portugal was the first time in 25 FIFA World Cup™ encounters that Colombia have been involved in a goalless draw. They had not failed to score in their previous 11 matches in the competition.


Colombia have kept four clean sheets in their last six World Cup matches.


Juan Quintero could make his tenth World Cup appearance, becoming only the fourth Colombian player to reach the landmark.


Ghana remain winless in their three FIFA World Cup matches against South American opposition, with defeats to Brazil (3-0) in 2006 and Uruguay (2-0) in 2022, bookending their 2010 quarter‑final exit to Uruguay, when a 1-1 draw after extra time led to a decisive
penalty shoot‑out loss.


The Black Stars have qualified for the knockout stage for the first time since making back-to- back appearances in 2006 and 2010.


Ghana’s only win in a knockout phase fixture is their 2-1 extra-time triumph over the USA in the 2010 round of 16.


Only one of Ghana’s 18 World Cup matches has finished goalless.


Jordan Ayew could become only the third player to reach ten World Cup appearances for Ghana – after Asamoah Gyan, who made 11 outings, and André Ayew, who is on ten.


Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz managed Colombia between February 2019 and December 2020, leading them at the 2019 Copa América in Brazil. Surviving members of that Colombia squad on duty at this FIFA World Cup, and now in opposition to Queiroz, are David Ospina, Santiago Arias, James Rodríguez, Camilo Vargas, Yerry Mina, Luis Díaz, Jefferson Lerma, Jhon Lucumí and Davinson Sánchez.

Colombia records
FIFA WORLD CUP™ TEAM RECORDS
Overall record: P: 25 W: 11 D: 4 L: 10 F: 36 A: 31 GD: 5


Biggest win: 4-1 v. Japan (group stage, 24/06/2014)/3-0 v. Greece (group stage, 14/06/2014)/3-0 v.


Poland (group stage, 24/06/2018)
Biggest defeat: 0-5 v. Yugoslavia (group stage, 07/06/1962)


Highest-scoring draw: 4-4 v. Soviet Union (group stage, 03/06/1962)


Highest-scoring match: 8 goals – Soviet Union 4-4 Colombia (group stage, 03/06/1962)


Most goals scored in a match: 4 – Colombia 4-4 Soviet Union (group stage, 03/06/1962)/Colombia 4-1 Japan (group stage, 24/06/2014)


Most goals conceded in a match: 5 – Colombia 0-5 Yugoslavia (group stage, 07/06/1962)


Most goals scored at a FIFA World Cup: 12 – 2014 (5 matches)


Fewest goals scored at a FIFA World Cup: 1 – 1998 (3 matches)


Most goals conceded at a FIFA World Cup: 11 – 1962 (3 matches)


Fewest goals conceded at a FIFA World Cup: 3 (twice) – the last of which was 2018 (4 matches), 1 (at the current edition – 3 matches)


FIFA WORLD CUP™ STREAKS
Successive wins: 4 (14/06/2014 – 28/06/2014) Successive defeats: 3 (23/06/1990 – 22/06/1994)


Successive draws: 1 (four times) – the last of which was 27/06/2026


Successive matches without a defeat: 6 (24/06/2018 – present)


Successive matches without a win: 5 (14/06/1990 – 22/06/1994)


Successive matches with a goal scored: 11 (14/06/2014 – 23/06/2026)


Successive matches without scoring: 1 (five times) – the last of which was 27/06/2026
Successive clean sheets: 2 (twice) – including a current streak dating back to 23/06/2026


FIFA WORLD CUP™ EXTRA-TIME MATCHES
Cameroon v. Colombia 2-1 a.e.t. (0-0, 0-0) 1990, round of 16


Colombia v. England 1-1 a.e.t. (1-1, 0-0), 3-4 on pens 2018, round of 16


The first score in brackets is the full-time result, while the second denotes the state of play at half-time.


FIFA WORLD CUP™ PENALTY SHOOT-OUTS (W0 L1)


L 3-4 v. England (2018, round of 16)


Ghana records
FIFA WORLD CUP™ TEAM RECORDS
Overall record: P: 18 W: 6 D: 4 L: 8 F: 20 A: 25 GD: -5


Biggest win: 2-0 v. Czechia (group stage, 17/06/2006)


Biggest defeat: 0-3 v. Brazil (round of 16, 27/06/2006)


Highest-scoring draw: 2-2 v. Germany (group stage, 21/06/2014)


Highest-scoring match: 5 goals – Portugal 3-2 Ghana (group stage, 24/11/2022)/Korea
Republic 2-3 Ghana (group stage,28/11/2022)


Most goals scored in a match: 3 – Ghana 3-2 Korea Republic (group stage, 28/11/2022)


Most goals conceded in a match: 3 (twice) – the last of which was Ghana 2-3 Portugal (groupstage, 24/11/2022)


Most goals scored at a FIFA World Cup: 5 (twice) – the last of which was 2022 (3 matches)


Fewest goals scored at a FIFA World Cup: 4 (twice) – the last of which was 2014 (3 matches), 2 (at the current edition – 3 matches)


Most goals conceded at a FIFA World Cup: 7 – 2022 (3 matches)


Fewest goals conceded at a FIFA World Cup: 4 – 2010 (5 matches), 2 (at the current
edition – 3 matches)


FIFA WORLD CUP™ STREAKS
Successive wins: 2 (17/06/2006 – 22/06/2006)


Successive defeats: 2 (26/06/2014 – 24/11/2022)


Successive draws: 1 (four times) – the last of which was 23/06/2026


Successive matches without a defeat: 2 (four times) – the last of which was 17/06/2026 –
23/06/2026


Successive matches without a win: 5 (02/07/2010 – 24/11/2022)


Successive matches with a goal scored: 7 (26/06/2010 – 28/11/2022)


Successive matches without scoring: 1 (five times) – the last of which was 23/06/2026


Successive clean sheets: 2 (17/06/2026 – 23/06/2026)


FIFA WORLD CUP™ EXTRA-TIME MATCHES
USA v. Ghana 1-2 a.e.t. (1-1, 0-1) 2010, round of 16


Uruguay v. Ghana 1-1 a.e.t. (1-1, 0-1), 4-2 on pens 2010, quarter-finals


The first score in brackets is the full-time result, while the second denotes the state of play at half-time.


FIFA WORLD CUP™ PENALTY SHOOT-OUTS (W0 L1)


L 2-4 v. Uruguay (2010, quarter-finals)


FIFA Power Rankings powered by Aramco
At this year’s FIFA World Cup 2026™, FIFA has rolled out an individual player-ranking system: the FIFA Power Rankings powered by Aramco. Based on data collected during matches, the initiative provides objective insight into player performance in each match and across the tournament.


In every encounter, each outfield player who features for at least 20 minutes receives a score between zero and ten in three categories: attacking, creativity and defending, while goalkeepers are assessed both in and out of possession. Standings featuring the top 100 players in each
category were published following the conclusion of the Matchday 1 action, and the full rankings will now continue to be updated after each game.

Source: FIFA MEDIA

World Cup 2026: Black Stars eye historic last-16 return as Ghana face Colombia test

D O
-
0
World Cup 2026: Black Stars eye historic last-16 return as Ghana face Colombia test

It will be a make-or-break encounter in Kansas City for the Black Stars of Ghana as they come up against Colombia on Friday evening for a place in the Round of 16 of the ongoing FIFA World Cup.

After successfully progressing from Group L, which had Panama, England and Croatia, Carlos Queiroz’s charges now turn their attention to Los Cafeteros in a knockout clash.

The Black Stars finished third in Group L with one win, one draw, and one loss against Panama, England, and Croatia, with Ghana’s two goals coming from Caleb Yirenkyi and Derrick Luckassen. They have conceded two across three matches. Ghana opened their campaign with a 1-0 win over Panama, showed resilience in a 0-0 draw with England, and succumbed to a 2-1 loss to Croatia in the final group game.

Ghana showed resilience in the group stage, maintaining an effective defensive structure and flashes of attacking promise. Now, the Black Stars must replicate this when they come up against Colombia.

Jerome Opoku, Jonas Adjetey, Antoine Semenyo, and Lawrence Ati-Zigi are all fit and available for selection. However, defender Kojo Oppong Peprah has been ruled out of the game. The competition for places remains high, with Queiroz set to name a strong side after Thursday’s training session.

Colombia topped Group K ahead of Portugal, DR Congo, and Uzbekistan, with a reputation for trademark flair, blistering pace on the flanks, and a physical, technical midfield. Led by head coach Néstor Lorenzo, Los Cafeteros are seasoned at this stage and boast a core of players competing in La Liga, Serie A, and the Premier League. Their quick transitions, overlapping full-backs, and set-piece threat will test Ghana’s organisation and concentration.

Key Battles to Watch

Midfield Duel: Ghana’s double pivot vs Colombia’s creative midfield. Winning second balls will be decisive.

Wide Areas: Semenyo and the Black Stars’ wingers must track Colombia’s dangerous wide men while still offering an outlet.

Set Pieces: With both sides strong in the air, dead-ball situations could settle it.

Speaking before departure from Providence, Coach Queiroz indicated the side’s focus: “The group stage is done. In knockout football, details decide everything. We respect Colombia, but we believe in our quality and our preparation. The players know what is at stake.”

The winner advances to face the winner of the match between Switzerland and Algeria in the Round of 16. For Ghana, victory would mark the country’s first appearance in the last 16 since South Africa 2010, and a chance to reignite the spirit of that famous run.

This match is scheduled for Kansas City Stadium on Friday, 3 July 2026, at 8:30 p.m. ET (1:30 a.m. Ghana Time – Saturday).

KEY FACTS

  • This is the first meeting between Colombia and Ghana.

  • Colombia have won four matches in a row against CAF teams at the FIFA World Cup™

  • since a 2-1 extra-time defeat against Cameroon in the 1990 round of 16 – their first such encounter and their only previous knockout fixture against an African opponent.

  • This is Colombia’s third successive qualification to the knockout phase, and their fourth overall.

  • La Tricolor progressed though the group stage unbeaten for only the second time. The only previous instance came back in 2014, when they went on to win their opening five fixtures before a 2-1 quarter-final defeat against Brazil.

  • The 0-0 draw against Portugal was the first time in 25 FIFA World Cup™ encounters that Colombia have been involved in a goalless draw. They had not failed to score in their previous 11 matches in the competition.

  • Colombia have kept four clean sheets in their last six World Cup matches.

  • Juan Quintero could make his tenth World Cup appearance, becoming only the fourth Colombian player to reach the landmark.

  • Ghana remain winless in their three FIFA World Cup matches against South American opposition, with defeats to Brazil (3-0) in 2006 and Uruguay (2-0) in 2022, bookending their 2010 quarter‑final exit to Uruguay, when a 1-1 draw after extra time led to a decisive
    penalty shoot‑out loss.

  • The Black Stars have qualified for the knockout stage for the first time since making back-to- back appearances in 2006 and 2010.

  • Ghana’s only win in a knockout phase fixture is their 2-1 extra-time triumph over the USA in the 2010 round of 16.

  • Only one of Ghana’s 18 World Cup matches has finished goalless.

  • Jordan Ayew could become only the third player to reach ten World Cup appearances for Ghana – after Asamoah Gyan, who made 11 outings, and André Ayew, who is on ten.

  • Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz managed Colombia between February 2019 and December 2020, leading them at the 2019 Copa América in Brazil. Surviving members of that Colombia squad on duty at this FIFA World Cup, and now in opposition to Queiroz, are David Ospina, Santiago Arias, James Rodríguez, Camilo Vargas, Yerry Mina, Luis Díaz, Jefferson Lerma, Jhon Lucumí and Davinson Sánchez.

World Cup 2026: Kane’s late brace saves England from World Cup shock

D O
-
0
World Cup 2026: Kane’s late brace saves England from World Cup shock

England were saved from a huge humiliation in their World Cup history, as skipper Harry Kane’s double saw them come from behind to subdue DR Congo and advance to the Round of 16 on Wednesday afternoon.

DR Congo opened the scoring early through Brian Cipenga and held onto the lead for long periods, with goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi standing tall between the posts to deny England time and again. Yoane Wissa almost doubled DR Congo’s advantage on the stroke of half-time, but his effort crashed against the post with the goal gaping.

England pressed for an equaliser as time ticked away, and with 15 minutes remaining, Tuchel’s side finally found their breakthrough. Kane rose highest to head home a superb cross from substitute Anthony Gordon, levelling the score after 75 minutes.

The Bayern Munich marksman then turned provider of his own fortune four minutes from time, latching onto the ball on the edge of the box before turning, driving forward and rifling a powerful right-foot finish beyond Mpasi. It was Kane’s fifth goal of the tournament and the moment that finally eased the nerves of England’s travelling supporters.

England will now face co-hosts Mexico at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City on Monday, 6 July (01:00 BST).

Bashir Hayford departs Heart of Lions

D O
-
0
Bashir Hayford departs Heart of Lions

Ghana Premier League side Heart of Lions have announced the departure of head coach Bashir Hayford, following the expiration of his contract.

The experienced gaffer had been at the helm of the Kpando-based outfit’s technical bench for the past three seasons, having returned to the club in December 2023 after previously managing them in the 2006/07 season.

The club, on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, confirmed the coach’s exit on their official Facebook page.

“Heart of Lions Football Club announces that Head Coach Bashir Hayford has departed the club after the expiration of his contract, bringing an end to his time with the team.

The Management paid tribute to Hayford’s contribution, adding:”Coach Hayford served the club with dedication, professionalism, and commitment throughout his tenure. His experience, leadership, and passion for the game played an important role in the club’s journey, and we sincerely appreciate his contribution both on and off the pitch.

The departure comes despite Hayford having previously expressed a desire to stay on. In May, as Heart of Lions battled to avoid relegation, he indicated he was willing to remain in charge of the club despite the challenging campaign, which included a heavy 5-2 defeat to newly crowned champions Medeama SC.

It remains unclear whether the decision not to renew his contract was mutual or came solely from the club’s end.The management extended their gratitude to the coach for his service to the club:

“On behalf of the Board, Management, players, staff, supporters, and the entire Heart of Lions family, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Coach Bashir Hayford for his service and wish him every success in the next chapter of his coaching career.”

Under Hayford, Heart of Lions secured a second-place finish in the 2024–25 Ghana Premier League — one of the most successful seasons in the club’s recent history. However, that form proved difficult to replicate, as they spent much of the following campaign fighting relegation, ultimately surviving in 14th place on 45 points.

No successor has been named yet, and the club’s statement didn’t comment on its plans for the technical bench ahead of the new season.

​”Ghana’s real World Cup test starts with Colombia” — Carlos Queiroz

D O
-
0
​”Ghana’s real World Cup test starts with Colombia” — Carlos Queiroz

Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz has insisted that the Black Stars will face their real test in the 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign after securing a place in the Round of 32.


Ghana progressed to the knockout stages by placing third, which was enough to secure them qualification. They face South American outfit Colombia, who emerged as winners of Group K.


The astute Portuguese tactician believes the knockout stages represent the beginning of the real test. Colombia stands in the way of the Black Stars, and Queiroz’s charges will be hoping to subdue them.


“I have just told my players that the real World Cup starts now. The group stage was only the qualification. From this point, every match is a final,” Queiroz said after Ghana booked their place in the knockout stage.


The veteran tactician praised Colombia’s quality. However, he is confident that Ghana will be ready and prepared for the task after following his side’s output against Croatia.


“We know Colombia are a strong team, but we will prepare well. Every mistake becomes more costly at this stage, so we must improve and be ready,” he added.


The Black Stars progressed despite a 2-1 defeat to Croatia in their final Group L fixture. They had earlier beaten Panama 1-0 before securing a priceless 0-0 draw with England.


Ghana will battle Colombia in the Round of 32 on Friday, 3 July, in Kansas City, with a place in the last 16 at stake.

World Cup 2026: “We conceded two easy goals against Croatia” – Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz

D O
-
0
World Cup 2026: “We conceded two easy goals against Croatia” – Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz

Ghana head coach, Carlos Queiroz has admitted his side conceded two cheap goals in the decisive final Group L encounter against Croatia on Saturday, noting that the Black Stars made “one critical mistake more” than their opponents in the clash.

Petar Sucic opened the scoring for Croatia in the 30th minute with a spectacular long-range strike before Derrick Luckassen equalised in the second half. But Nikola Vlasic headed home the winner in the 83rd minute to hand Croatia all three points.

Queiroz indicated that Croatia deserved the victory although his charges committed avoidable mistakes.

“When you score one more goal than the opponent, that means you have the merit to win the game. It means you make at least one more mistake than the opponent,” he said.

The Portuguese tactician was particularly not happy with the manner the goals were conceded.

“We conceded two easy goals. When we concede one goal from 40 metres, we have to do better. Those are not proper goals to concede at the level of a World Championship.”

“I think Croatia played better in the first half and controlled the game. The second half was only Ghana playing.”

“I think what we did in the second half should not have been punished with the second goal. The draw was the fairest result.”

“In football, there is nothing about fairness. You score more goals, you win. You score fewer goals, you lose.”

Ghana finished third on the Group L log, but has qualified to the Round of 32 as one of the best third-placed teams. The West Africa giants will now face Colombia on Friday, 3rd July, 2026, in Kansas City, USA.

The defeat meant Ghana finished third in Group L but still progressed to the Round of 32 as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams. They will now face Colombia in Kansas City.

World Cup 2026: Ghana to face Colombia in Round of 32 in Kansas City

D O
-
0
World Cup 2026: Ghana to face Colombia in Round of 32 in Kansas City

Ghana will meet South American side Colombia in the Round of 32 at the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the crucial encounter set to be played in Kansas City, USA, on Saturday, July 4, 2026.

The fixture was confirmed following the qualification of both teams from the respective groups in the 48-team tournament being held by the USA, Canada and Mexico.

With the new World Cup format, the top two teams from each group, together with the best third-placed teams, progress to the tournament’s knockout stage.

Ghana advanced to the knockout stage after finishing third in Group L. They opened their campaign with a slender 1-0 victory over Panama before holding England to a pulsating goalless stalemate. Ghana suffered a 2-1 loss in their final group game, but qualified to the Round of 32 as one of the best third placed teams.

Colombia on the other side finished on top of Group K after an impressive unbeaten streak. They opened their campaign with a 3-1 win over Uzbekistan, followed by a 1-0 victory against DR Congo before ending the group stage with a 0-0 draw against Portugal.

The result secured the South American side first place in the group and set up a meeting with Ghana on Saturday.

The game is scheduled to kick off at 1:30AM GMT.

World Cup 2026: Ghana advance to Round of 32 despite defeat to Croatia

D O
-
0
World Cup 2026: Ghana advance to Round of 32 despite defeat to Croatia

Croatia breathed life into their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign following a 2-1 victory against Ghana in the Group L decider at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on Saturday.


Petar Sučić and Nikola Vlašić’s 83rd-minute header was enough to secure the win for Croatia, with Derrick Luckassen snatching a consolation for the Black Stars in the 73rd minute.


Carlos Queiroz made three changes from the England draw, handing starts to Derrick Luckassen, Kamaldeen Sulemana, and Elisha Owusu. Croatia opened the scoring in the 31st minute with a powerful low drive past Benjamin Asare. Ghana nearly equalised before the break, but Semenyo’s effort missed the post by inches.


Ghana found the equaliser twenty-two minutes after half-time through defender Derrick Luckassen. He connected with a well-delivered free kick to make it 1-1 in the 73rd minute.


Parity only lasted for 10 minutes as Ivan Perišić’s deep cross from the left found Nikola Vlašić unmarked at the back post, and the player headed past Asare in the 83rd minute to restore Croatia’s lead.


Ghana pressed for a late equaliser, with Antoine Semenyo forcing Dominik Livaković into a save in the 87th minute and Thomas Partey’s 25-yard drive going over the crossbar in stoppage time. Croatia defended well to hold on to their lead.


Ghana finished the group with 4 points after 1 win, 1 draw, and 1 loss, progressing to the round of 32. Croatia moved into second place.

World Cup 2026: Black Stars on “Full Alert” for Croatia Clash, Says Queiroz

D O
-
0
World Cup 2026: Black Stars on “Full Alert” for Croatia Clash, Says Queiroz

Carlos Queiroz has indicated that the Black Stars are on full alert as they take on Croatia in their final Group L encounter, noting that Croatia’s strength is never in doubt.

​Queiroz believes that Croatia’s 4–2 defeat to England was too heavy, as it does not truly represent what transpired on the field; hence, his players must be stronger and better prepared to win Saturday’s fixture and reach the Round of 32.

Speaking ahead of the game on Friday, Queiroz praised Croatia’s quality despite their loss to England and singled out Luka Modric as “one of the most brilliant players in football history in the last few years.”

“We know that they have a good team, they play good football against England,” he said. “I think after I saw the game several times, they even deserve a better result. I think the result four-two was too heavy for Croatia.”

“That’s why we are full alert. We know that that result doesn’t really show the capabilities of Croatia and they prove it against Panama.”

“So that’s why tomorrow we only have one option. We have to come out more strong and better. That’s the only option that we have. More strong and better. Every day, every match we have to grow up.”

Queiroz described the game as “another battle” and “the third part of one game” after Ghana’s 1-0 win over Panama and a priceless 0-0 draw with England.

“Playing against a great team, which is Croatia, with a lot of wonderful players, experienced players,” he said. “For sure it will be tough, intensive for both sides. But at the end of the day, I do believe it will be a lot of fun and entertainment for everybody.”

He dismissed any talk of heading into the decisive encounter for a draw with Ghana on four points at the top of Group L with England. “I only have one way to play the game. It is play for win and that is what we going to do tomorrow,” Queiroz said.

“Express ourselves and have the freedom to enjoy and play good football and during 90 minutes with the same concentration and same resilience. The only thing that I ask them is never lose one second in the mind that wish to go there and build up the result to win the game.”

“All our training session have been to create opportunities to score, keep the ball and win. And tomorrow we hope that we can express ourselves better, more consistent this kind of football and at the end, get the result to make people happy.”

“The game of football is so difficult. You cannot play two or three games at the same time. We just focus on one game, which is Croatia, and get results,” he said.

“Play good football. With good football, be better than them on the pitch. That’s what we’re going to try to do. Fight more, be better. Because we know if we’re able to do that, we have more chances to get the result.”

“Croatia deserves our respect, full respect… We have to play the best we can, fight as much as possible to get the best result. And the best result is to be number one.”

The game will kickoff at 21:00 GMT at the Lincoln Financial Field, in Philadelphia, United States.

Send your news stories to [email protected] and via WhatsApp on +233 249674155

World Cup 2026: Ghana made the game difficult for us – England manager Thomas Tuchel

D O
-
0
World Cup 2026: Ghana made the game difficult for us – England manager Thomas Tuchel

England manager Thomas Tuchel has lauded Ghana’s disciplined defensive ploy that earned Ghana a 0-0 draw in the Group L match against the Three Lions.


Carlos Queiroz’s charges executed a well-organized and resilient strategy, which contained the tactics displayed by Tuchel, ensuring the much-anticipated clash ended goalless at Gillette Stadium.


Tuchel admitted his players found it difficult to penetrate the well-compact and disciplined Ghanaian side, despite dominating possession.


England had few opportunities in front of goal due to the structure of the defensive network and the high level of commitment exhibited by Ghana.


“Credit to them. I rarely saw a physical performance like that from a team,” the former Chelsea boss told the BBC.


“They defended with 10 players in a deep, deep block, so it made it difficult for us because they were very disciplined and very physical in every position, so it took us a while to break this block down, to find this rhythm.


“Everything was our responsibility to find rhythm. At the same time, you need to be careful not to concede counterattacks,” he added.


The game ended with England having 79 percent possession—the highest obtained by a side that failed to score in a World Cup match for the past 60 years—but they were unable to find the back of the net.


Both sides are on four points at the top of Group L ahead of the final round of matches on Saturday, with England playing Panama while Ghana takes on Croatia in a decisive encounter in Philadelphia, United States.

Send your news stories to [email protected] and via WhatsApp on +233 249674155.

123...928Page 2 of 928