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Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz has urged his players to embrace the pressure of knockout football ahead of their World Cup Round of 32 clash against Colombia at Kansas City Stadium on Saturday, July 4.
The Black Stars coach said mentality will be just as important as quality, insisting his players must show courage and character to reach the Round of 16 for the first time since 2010.
“These are the games that matter. It’s not only about talent, but it’s about character, attitude, courage and bravery over 90 minutes,” Queiroz said at his pre-match press conference.
Ghana finished third in Group L with four points from three matches. They beat Panama, drew with England and lost 2-1 to Croatia to advance as one of the best third-placed teams.
Colombia topped Group K with seven points after wins over Uzbekistan and DR Congo and a draw with Portugal. They remain unbeaten and have conceded just once.
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Despite the stakes, Carlos Queiroz said the Black Stars players must not be weighed down by pressure.
“We know this game comes with a lot of pressure, but we don’t need to add to it. Once the match starts, I want my players to enjoy it, every challenge, every pass and every shot on goal.”
The match carries added significance for Carlos Queiroz, who previously coached Colombia between 2019 and 2020. He downplayed the reunion, saying his focus is on helping Ghana produce an upset.
A win would send Ghana into the Round of 16, where they would face Switzerland in Vancouver.
