Ghana frustrated a star-studded England side in their second match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, earning a 0-0 draw.
The Black Stars held firm at Boston Stadium on Tuesday to put themselves on the brink of a first World Cup knockout-stage appearance since 2010.
England’s 78.8% possession share is the highest by any team on record (since 1966) in a World Cup match without scoring, while Ghana were restricted to just two shots on target.
Harry Kane had a chance to win it for England three minutes before the final whistle, but skied his effort to keep the score level.
Ghana goalkeeper Benjamin Asare was outstanding for the Black Stars, making three crucial saves to secure a vital point for the African side.
Ghana also threatened on multiple occasions, but England defended well. However, an incident in the 79th minute left Carlos Queiroz upset with the match officials for not awarding his side a penalty.
Ezri Konsa lunged in on Prince Adu from behind, with no penalty awarded despite the Aston Villa defender failing to get a touch on the ball and catching his opponent’s knee.
“Is VAR still working in the World Cup? We still have VAR? I have some doubts about that, because another penalty that they need to give to Ghana, a clear penalty against England,” Queiroz said after the match.
He was, however, happy with the final result, saying, “With our opportunity in the second half, I think at the end different profiles, but we deserve the draw. A draw was the fair result for both teams.
“We had our chances to the point that they’re lucky. They’re very lucky.
“Once again, VAR went for a coffee. It’s natural, I would like to also take my coffees once in a while, but it was a clear penalty, red card.”
Meanwhile, England coach Thomas Tuchel, whose team also has four points, said Ghana were far too defensive and prevented his team from scoring.
“We knew it before; it can be difficult. They went even more defensive than in the first match. Defended in a four-five-one. If you don’t open it up with a goal, it’s a game of patience, and it’s difficult to inject intensity because it’s such a low block. I think at the end of each half we had them. We found our rhythm and found our intensity the longer the game went. We could not just get the reward, but everything is okay.”
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