“England played better, Ghana fought better” - Queiroz salutes players as ‘controlled’ draw sees Ghana edge towards knockouts | OneFootball

Ghana held England at bay [Getty Images]

England 0-0 Ghana 

Ghana edged closer to a place in the knockout stages of the World Cup after an impressive defensive performance frustrated England on matchday two of Group L.

The Black Stars, who beat Panama 1-0 in their opening game, were largely comfortable in smothering England’s attacking threat, reducing their opponents to minimal chances. With just 21% possession, it was yet another classic Queiroz defensive gameplan, which undoubtedly succeeded in reducing danger for most of the afternoon in Boston.

“I think we deserved the result, because the game is not only technical and tactical, it’s also emotional, bravery, courage, perseverance, resilience,” Queiroz said. “And our team showed all of that during the ninety minutes. They fought for each other, they defended, they ran, they fought, but with the mind on the goal all the time.

“I think first half, we had England under control because we saw and felt that the English players were frustrated. They don’t like to play this type of game; I was there [in England] I know they like open games. But we did not concede the easy way for them to play against us.

“They had been better than us in terms of football, we’d been better in terms of fighting spirit and determination.

“Second half we started to control more and better. I think we had one or two chances, they did also. At the end of the day, there were playing better, we were fighting better. I think the draw is the fair result.

“Did we get to England mentally? Yeah, I think one of the goals in our tactical approach was exactly to frustrate the five best skills of England have to score. And I think we did it in the free-kicks, the corners, the diagonal services in the box, we did it in the wings, we controlled all the penetrative movements.

“Once we had these five points in our hands, we felt we controlled the game and we started to push forward to try and win the game every time we had the ball.

“And by the way, I think it’s the right opportunity [to ask] if VAR is still working in the World Cup? Do we still have VAR? I have some doubt about that, because there was another penalty that should have been given to Ghana. Clear penalty.”

With four points, Ghana already have a strong chance of reaching the last 32, but will be aiming for another resilient display when they meet Croatia in Philadelphia on matchday 3 this Saturday.