Carlos Queiroz suggested the VAR officials “went for coffee” during Ghana’s goalless draw with England, after Ezri Konsa was fortunate not to concede a late penalty.
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 when failing to score, while Ghana were restricted to just two shots and 0.17 expected goals, compared to England’s 19 attempts and 1.36 xG.
But Queiroz’s team threatened an almighty upset when they launched a couple of dangerous counter-attacks late on.
One of those moments saw Jordan Pickford collide with Prince Adu just outside the England area, only for the decision to go the Three Lions’ way.
And they were arguably even more fortunate when Konsa lunged in on Adu from behind in the 79th minute, with no penalty awarded despite the Aston Villa man failing to get a touch on the ball and catching his opponent’s knee. Adu still managed to get an attempt on goal while on the ground, only for his team-mate Antoine Semenyo to get in the way.
Queiroz focused on the officials in his post-match press conference, quipping: “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?
“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.”
Ghana now know a draw against Croatia in their final Group L game on Saturday will secure a top-two finish, while even a defeat could see them progress as one of the eight best third-place finishers.
England, meanwhile, will top the section if they beat already-eliminated Panama and Ghana do not beat Croatia while overturning their goal difference advantage.
Queiroz was also involved in an altercation with Jude Bellingham at the half-time whistle, after the England man lunged in late on Jerome Opoku in the Ghana left-back position.
But Bellingham played down that flare-up after the match, saying: “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.”
