World Cup 2026: “We conceded two easy goals against Croatia” – Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz

Ghana head coach, Carlos Queiroz has admitted his side conceded two cheap goals in the decisive final Group L encounter against Croatia on Saturday, noting that the Black Stars made “one critical mistake more” than their opponents in the clash.

Petar Sucic opened the scoring for Croatia in the 30th minute with a spectacular long-range strike before Derrick Luckassen equalised in the second half. But Nikola Vlasic headed home the winner in the 83rd minute to hand Croatia all three points.

Queiroz indicated that Croatia deserved the victory although his charges committed avoidable mistakes.

“When you score one more goal than the opponent, that means you have the merit to win the game. It means you make at least one more mistake than the opponent,” he said.

The Portuguese tactician was particularly not happy with the manner the goals were conceded.

“We conceded two easy goals. When we concede one goal from 40 metres, we have to do better. Those are not proper goals to concede at the level of a World Championship.”

“I think Croatia played better in the first half and controlled the game. The second half was only Ghana playing.”

“I think what we did in the second half should not have been punished with the second goal. The draw was the fairest result.”

“In football, there is nothing about fairness. You score more goals, you win. You score fewer goals, you lose.”

Ghana finished third on the Group L log, but has qualified to the Round of 32 as one of the best third-placed teams. The West Africa giants will now face Colombia on Friday, 3rd July, 2026, in Kansas City, USA.

The defeat meant Ghana finished third in Group L but still progressed to the Round of 32 as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams. They will now face Colombia in Kansas City.