Carlos Quieroz, the Ghana head coach, has launched a sarcastic attack on VAR after England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford escaped a potential penalty in the 0-0 World Cup draw. Quieroz, coaching at his sixth World Cup, claimed the video assistant referee had "gone for a coffee" when it failed to award Ghana a spot-kick for a collision between Pickford and substitute Prince Kwabena Adu.
Match incident sparks controversy
The incident occurred in the second half when Adu, who had just come on, was challenged by Pickford as he burst into the England area. Referee Said Martinez of Honduras waved play on, and VAR did not intervene. Many observers, including Quieroz, believe it was a clear penalty.
Speaking in his post-match press conference, Quieroz said: "I'm not sure VAR is still working in the World Cup. We still have VAR? It's working? I have some doubts about that because another penalty that they need give to Ghana, a clear penalty against England [was missed]. They're lucky. They're very lucky."
Quieroz's sarcastic remarks
The 73-year-old, who previously served as Sir Alex Ferguson's assistant at Manchester United, added: "VAR went for a coffee. It's natural, I would like also to take my coffee once in a while, but it was a clear penalty, red card. You have any doubts about that? You guys who saw the game have any doubts about that or is it only me that was in the game?"
He concluded: "I'm sorry for my sarcasm, but if I say these kind of things seriously they punish me, so I hope you understand that I'm joking."
England's dominance and Pickford's record
Despite the controversy, England dominated possession with nearly 79% of the ball, but could not break down a resolute Ghana side. The draw extended Pickford's England record for most clean sheets in major tournaments to 13. However, the Everton goalkeeper was largely a spectator, making no saves.
England's Noni Madueke felt he should have been awarded a free-kick when knocked off the ball by Ghana substitute Abdul Fatawu, but the referee played on, leading to the Adu chance.
Media ratings for Pickford
Various media outlets gave Pickford a rating of 6 out of 10 for his performance, with many noting his fortune in escaping punishment. John Cross of the Mirror wrote: "Largely a spectator because Ghana offered little going forward. Lucky when Adu messed up a break." Ed Aarons of the Guardian gave him a 5, stating: "A spectator for the first half, but was very lucky to escape further punishment after bringing down Prince Adu."
Tom Maston of Goal commented: "Barely tested in the England goal. Slightly fortunate when he charged out of his goal and collided with Adu in the second half." Mark White of FourFourTwo added: "Virtually nothing to do in the first half except spray balls forward... Incredibly lucky to see a foul given his way after a collision with Prince Adu just before the drinks break."
