Ghana Boss Insists Black Stars Were Denied Clear Penalty in Crucial World Cup Draw
Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz has launched a scathing critique of VAR following his side’s 0-0 draw with England, insisting the Black Stars were denied a clear penalty that could have earned them a famous victory and moved them closer to the knockout rounds of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The controversy centered on a late second-half incident involving England defender Ezri Konsa and Ghana forward Prince Kwabena Adu.
With Ghana threatening on the counterattack, Adu burst into the penalty area before appearing to be caught by Konsa, who made contact with the Ghanaian attacker’s knee while attempting to recover defensively. Despite strong appeals from Ghana’s players and coaching staff, referee Said Martinez waved play on and VAR did not intervene.
The decision left Queiroz furious.
“I’m not sure VAR is still working in the World Cup. We still have VAR? It’s working? I have some doubts about that.”
The veteran Portuguese coach, making his fifth World Cup appearance as a manager, went even further in his post-match assessment, delivering a sarcastic remark that quickly became one of the tournament’s most talked-about quotes.
“VAR went for a coffee.”
Queiroz argued that the challenge should have resulted not only in a penalty but potentially disciplinary action against the England defender.
“There was a clear penalty. England were lucky.”
The incident overshadowed what was otherwise a highly disciplined performance from Ghana. The Black Stars executed their defensive game plan effectively, frustrating an England side that dominated possession but struggled to create clear opportunities. Queiroz later revealed that the objective from the opening whistle had been to disrupt England’s rhythm and force them into uncomfortable areas of the pitch.
The disputed decision has also generated debate among pundits and former officials. Several analysts argued that replays appeared to show Konsa making contact with Adu without touching the ball, raising questions about why the incident was not reviewed more thoroughly.
Despite his frustration, Queiroz acknowledged that the point remains valuable in the context of Group L. Ghana now have four points from two matches after defeating Panama and drawing with England, leaving qualification for the Round of 32 firmly within reach.
Still, the Ghana coach could not hide his belief that his side had been denied an opportunity to claim all three points.
For a team that spent much of the evening defending with discipline and waiting for its moment, the late incident felt like the defining moment of the match.
And in Queiroz’s view, it was a moment that VAR should never have missed.