Ghana had defended so deep and had prevented England from creating clear chances. It was obvious Carlos Queiroz's team was looking for the opportu
Ghana had defended so deep and had prevented England from creating clear chances. It was obvious Carlos Queiroz’s team was looking for the opportunity to hit the dominant England on the break.
Skipper Jordan Ayew was replaced by the 22-year-old Plzen striker. The pacey and energetic forward was sent through on goal in the second half and appeared to be caught by a loose Ezri Konsa slide challenge — a moment that went unpunished by both the referee and VAR. The decision by referee Said Martinez from Honduras shocked fans, especially when the VAR decided not to even have a look at it.
Ghana’s 73-year-old Portuguese head coach Carlos was irked by the decision not to award Ghana a penalty.
“I’m not sure the VAR is still working,” said Queiroz. “Is it still working? I have some doubts. They need to give the penalty and a red card.”
“The VAR referee was on vacation in the second half, apparently,” he added. “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 [on Konsa]. Do you have any doubts about that, or is it only me who was at the game?
“I am sorry for my sarcasm, but if I say this kind of thing seriously, they punish me. So I am joking.”
Pundits and former footballers have expressed their shock with Ghana not getting a penalty, with former England stars Wayne Rooney and Jamie Carragher all commenting. Veteran pundits like Tim Vickery and Henry Winter all expressed were not in support of Said’s decision.
Ghana’s defensive solidity has caught the eye of football fans across the world, with many expecting the Black Stars to go far in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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