Carlos Queiroz blamed costly defensive mistakes for the Black Stars’ 2-1 defeat to Croatia in their final Group L match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Although Ghana had already secured qualification for the Round of 32 before kick-off, the defeat dropped them to third in the group and set up a knockout clash with Colombia.
Speaking after the match, Carlos Queiroz said Croatia made the most of Ghana’s errors despite his side dominating the second half.
“Croatia scored two very easy goals, but the only thing that matters in football is that when you score, you win. They played better in the first half, but in the second half, it was only Ghana playing. They capitalized on our mistakes, with a couple of back passes where we lost control of the ball,” he said.
Coach Carlos Queiroz was particularly frustrated by the nature of the goals the Black Stars conceded.
“The goals we conceded were too easy and not at the level of a World Cup. We cannot concede a goal from 40 metres at this level.”
Queiroz also praised Croatia captain Luka Modrić for controlling the game.
“Luka Modrić did well as usual as the playmaker. We tried to block his decisions, but it was difficult to control him.”
He also dismissed concerns over Antoine Semenyo’s fitness, saying the forward suffered only a minor ankle knock and should be fit for the Round of 32. Ghana will face Colombia in the Round of 32 on Saturday, July 4, at the Kansas City Stadium, with a place in the last 16 at stake.
🎥 🇬🇭 “Croatia scored two very easy goals, but the only thing that matters in football is that when you score, you win.
They played better in the first half, but in the second half it was only Ghana playing.”
Black Stars coach Carlos Queiroz reflects on Ghana’s 2–1 loss to… pic.twitter.com/kCrzjohoqg
— Citi Sports (@CitiSportsGHA) June 28, 2026
