‘VAR went for a coffee’ - Was Carlos Queiroz right to fume as Ghana denied late penalty from Ezri Konsa challenge against England?

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Ghana manager Carlos Queiroz sarcastically suggested that VAR went for a coffee while claiming the Black Stars should have had a penalty in their 0-0 FIFA World Cup draw against England in Foxborough on Tuesday. Do you think it should have been a spot kick?

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The Three Lions toiled, claiming 78.2% possession in the face of Ghana’s low block, but struggled to create meaningful chances against the Black Stars.

It is a result that has England still leading Group L, with last-32 qualification all-but guaranteed, but raises fresh questions over their credentials among the tournament favourites.

An underwhelming night could have been disastrous for Thomas Tuchel’s men, had Ghana been awarded a penalty late on.

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Initially, Ezri Konsa appeared to have made a vital last-ditch challenge on Prince Kwabena Adu, only for replays to show the England defender dived in and made contact with the player rather than the ball.

Referee Said Martinez was swift to wave away Ghana's appeals, instead awarding a free-kick to England.

And Queiroz questioned why VAR was not used in his post-match press conference.

Do you think it was a penalty? Have a watch of the video below and vote in the poll...

Queiroz said: ”I like to take my coffees once in a while! It’s a clear penalty, and a red card [for Konsa]. Do you have any doubts about that, or was it only me who was at the game?"

At the end of the press conference, Queiroz added: ”I am sorry for my sarcasm, but if I say this kind of thing seriously, they punish me. So I am joking.”

Former Premier League assistant referee Darren Cann also appeared to think Ghana had a strong case for a penalty.

"We had our hearts in our mouths when we saw Ezri Konsa make that challenge," said Cann.

”As an England fan, I'm absolutely delighted that it wasn't given, but I have to be honest - this should have been referred to the referee for an on-pitch review.

"Konsa makes no contact with the ball, he brings down his opponent. He's airborne, he's out of control, he makes contact with the attacker and no contact with the ball.

"For me, this is a penalty kick. We've had seven penalties at this tournament so far. I'm very glad that was not an eighth."

Ezri Konsa makes a last-ditch challenge on Prince Kwabena Adu

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Tuchel: 'We don't need a wake up call'

While Tuchel admitted frustration at England failing to find the net against Ghana, he stressed that there was no reason to panic ahead of the Three Lions' final Group L game against Panama in New Jersey on Saturday.

”We don’t need a wake-up call,” the manager said. ”Everyone is alert and everyone is fully committed. There can be no doubt. I can assure that to everyone else. There was no overconfidence in our game.

"Not at all. If there was anything, there was maybe in some moments a bit of over-cautious.

”It is what it is. But we have four points out of two matches, and still a match to play.

"We are able to win our last match, and we will try to win it, of course. It is very important that the highs don’t get too high, and the lows get not too low. And today is not a low, it is just a difficult match.”

Thomas Tuchel on the touchline

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Asked whether he understood that there may be disappointment after England’s 4-2 win over Croatia in their opening match, Tuchel added: ”It’s a long tournament. The boys tried everything. They played with the right energy.

"I know it’s a very different game. Sometimes, in this case, one team tries to play and run against this deep block. You don’t find the spaces, and it’s difficult for you to create chances.

"It can be difficult to watch. It’s not as exciting as two teams trying to win it in a more open game. We always try to entertain our fans, but it takes two to tango.”

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