Ghana manager Carlo Queiroz expressed frustration after his side was denied what he believed was a clear penalty during their World Cup clash against England on Tuesday.
The match ended in a hard-fought 0-0 draw, earning Ghana an important point. However, much of the discussion after the final whistle centered on a controversial incident inside England’s penalty area.
Late Challenge Sparks Debate
The key moment came late in the match when Ghana midfielder Prince Kwabena Adu drove into the penalty box. England defender Ezri Konsa attempted to stop him and appeared to make contact with the player’s knee.
Despite strong appeals from Ghana’s players, the referee allowed play to continue. Video replays showed Konsa made contact with Adu and did not appear to touch the ball before the collision.
The decision quickly became one of the most talked-about moments of the game.
Queiroz Questions VAR Review
After the match, Queiroz openly questioned why video officials did not intervene.
The Ghana coach suggested the VAR team failed to properly review the incident. He jokingly remarked that it seemed as if VAR officials had “gone for a coffee” during the crucial moment.
While speaking to reporters, Queiroz insisted the challenge deserved a penalty. He also argued that the defender should have received a red card because of the nature of the foul.
Although he used humor in his comments, his disappointment with the decision was clear.
Football Experts Share Similar View
Several football analysts also felt Ghana had a strong case for a penalty.
Former England striker Wayne Rooney believed Konsa took a significant risk with his challenge. According to Rooney, the defender made contact with the player rather than the ball, making a penalty a realistic outcome.
Former England defender Micah Richards agreed. He explained that defenders must remain disciplined when protecting their goal, especially during tense moments late in a match.
Richards added that officials could easily have awarded a penalty under different circumstances.
England Escape Major Scare
England managed to avoid conceding a late penalty and held on for the draw. However, the incident continues to generate debate among fans and football experts.
For Ghana, the result showed determination and defensive strength. Yet the unanswered penalty appeal left many supporters wondering whether their team deserved more from the match.
As discussions continue, the controversial challenge is likely to remain a major talking point from an otherwise tightly contested encounter.
