Our real World Cup starts against Colombia, says Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz

Ghana fell 2-1 to Croatia in their final Group L match on Saturday, a result that exposed lapses at the back despite a spirited display.

Petar Sučić and Nikola VlaÅ¡ić struck for the 2018 World Cup finalists, cancelling out Derrick Luckassen’s equaliser.

Reflecting on the setback, Queiroz said the tournament now enters its decisive phase, where errors are punished harshly and only winning matters.

He stressed that the group stage served as preparation, but the knockout rounds demand a different level of focus and execution.

“I have just told my players that the real world championship starts in the next round,” Queiroz said.

“The group stage is the warming-up, and qualification for the next round is like a credit card, but now you have to start paying.

“Everything goes to the winner, every game is drama, nobody can hide. That starts next game,” the former Iran and Egypt head coach said.

Despite finishing third in Group L, Ghana advance to face Colombia in the Round of 32 at Kansas City Stadium on Saturday, where Queiroz will be hoping for a stronger and more disciplined performance.

Source:Fiilasports/ghanasoccernet