Full Breakdown
Ghana Calls for More Aggressive Referee Pressure After Missed Penalty in World Cup Draw with England
6/27/2026, 4:49:12 AM
Background & Context
Group L of the 2022 FIFA World Cup comprises Ghana, England, Croatia and Panama. Ghana’s 0-0 draw with England left both teams on four points, with England ahead on goal difference. The group’s remaining fixtures include Ghana versus Croatia and England versus Panama, setting up a tight points race.
Missed Penalty and Call for Referee Pressure
Ghana forward Antoine Semenyo said his side must “gang around the referee” after a potential penalty in the 0-0 group match with England was not reviewed. The appeal followed England defender Ezri Konsa’s airborne challenge on Ghana midfielder Prince Kwabena, which referee Said Martinez declined to send to VAR.
Current Standings and Advancement Scenarios
Ghana sit second on four points, level with England but trailing on goal difference. A win or draw against Croatia on Saturday secures a top-two finish; a loss could still see Ghana advance if England drops points against Panama.
Key Figures
The principal figures are forward Antoine Semenyo, head coach Queiroz, referee Said Martinez, England defender Ezri Konsa, Ghana midfielder Prince Kwabena, and midfielder Thomas Partey, whose travel to Canada for the final group match remains uncertain due to pending immigration charges.
Data & Statistics
After two rounds, Ghana and England each have four points (GF 2, GA 2); Croatia has three points, Panama none. England leads on goal difference.
Official Statements & Responses
Semenyo urged collective player and staff pressure on officials, recommending on-field complaints and sideline lobbying of the fourth official. Queiroz said protests often draw yellow cards, leaving players unsure how to react, and called on FIFA to review VAR after a decade of use. He also referred media questions about Thomas Partey’s visa to Canadian authorities.
Criticism of VAR
Queiroz criticised VAR’s failure to intervene in the Kwabena-Konsa incident, noting that the technology, introduced in 2016 and first used at the 2018 World Cup, should not allow clear penalties to go unchecked.
What’s Next
Ghana’s final group game against Croatia on Saturday will decide whether they finish first or second. The team also awaits a decision from Canadian immigration on Thomas Partey’s eligibility, a factor that could affect the squad for the knockout stage.
Verbatim Quotes
- “As players, we need to gang around the referee and complain. You could say something like that,” — Antoine Semenyo, Ghana forward
- “When these incidents happen, they come to me, they used to come to me, and they say, ‘Oh your players didn’t even protest',” — Coach Queiroz
- “Ten years is gone. There is no excuse, no reason for VAR not to be better than this. No excuse. So it's time for FIFA authorities to review what has been happening behind the scenes.” — Coach Queiroz
- “I think your second question should be addressed to the visa authorities of Canada, not me,” — Coach Queiroz
