VAR Controversy In Ghana V England World Cup Draw Highlights Queiroz Criticism

Carlos Queiroz claimed video officials might have been on a break as Ghana earned a goalless draw with England, protesting that Ezri Konsa escaped a clear late penalty. The result at Boston Stadium left the Black Stars within reach of the World Cup knockout phase for the first time since 2010, while England failed to make long spells of possession count on the scoreboard.

The flashpoint arrived on 79 minutes when Konsa slid into Prince Adu from behind inside the England box, appearing to miss the ball and catch Adu’s knee. Ghana had already survived pressure and created late counter-attacks, but Queiroz argued that this specific incident, plus an earlier collision between Jordan Pickford and Adu, should have changed the match completely.

Queiroz centred his media comments on those key calls, saying: "I'm not sure VAR is still working in the World Cup. Do we still have VAR? It's working? I have some doubts about that because there was a penalty that they needed to give to Ghana, a clear penalty against England. We had our chances to the point that they [England] are lucky. They are very lucky. Once again, the VAR went for coffee. I like to take my coffees once in a while! It's a clear penalty and a red card. Do you have any doubts about that, or as it only me who was at the game?"

From a statistical view, England had control but lacked precision in attack. Gareth Southgate’s side recorded 78.8% possession, the highest figure at a World Cup since 1966 for any team that failed to score in a match. England attempted 19 shots and produced 1.36 expected goals, while Ghana managed two attempts worth 0.17 expected goals.

Despite those numbers, Ghana produced the game’s clearest drama late on through quick breaks. One counter saw Pickford collide with Adu just outside the area, with the referee ruling the decision in England’s favour. Moments later, Konsa’s challenge left Adu shooting while on the ground, only for Antoine Semenyo to block the effort accidentally, reflecting Ghana’s narrow miss at a famous win.

The draw leaves the Group L standings finely balanced before the final round. Ghana will secure at least second place if they avoid defeat against Croatia on Saturday. Even with a loss, Queiroz’s side could still progress as one of the eight best third-placed teams. England will win the group by beating already-eliminated Panama, provided Ghana do not defeat Croatia while overturning England’s goal difference edge.

Ghana vs England World Cup touchline clash and reactions

There was also a confrontation at the interval involving Queiroz and Jude Bellingham. Tension rose after Bellingham made a late challenge on Jerome Opoku in the left-back area for Ghana, with players and staff reacting around the tunnel. The incident added another layer to an already intense contest, but both teams finished the match with 11 players and no dismissals.

Bellingham later described the situation as emotional but not hostile, explaining: "It was just when I made a silly tackle, to be honest. I was trying to try to win the ball, and I followed through a little bit and caught the lad. I spoke to him after, and then their bench jumped up trying to get me a yellow card. With their manager, I recognised him. He obviously used to be at Manchester United, so there's great respect, and nothing but a competitive edge for both of us."

Queiroz, who joked about possible disciplinary action, later added context to the performance. "At the end of the day, that's why I say it was a fair result. They played more time with the ball, we fought more, we fought better, we created our chances, they had chances at the end. I think they are happy and I am also happy with the draw. I am sorry for my sarcasm, but if I say this kind of thing seriously, they will punish me. So I am joking."

The stalemate therefore leaves both England and Ghana satisfied for different reasons. England kept control for long periods yet lacked a decisive finish, while Ghana defended resiliently, countered with threat and stayed strongly placed for qualification. The debate around VAR decisions, including the Konsa and Pickford incidents, is likely to continue as Group L heads toward a decisive final weekend.