‘There Is No Tomorrow’ – Queiroz Fires Ghana Up for Colombia Clash
Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz believes his familiarity with Colombia will offer little advantage ahead of Saturday’s FIFA World Cup Round of 32 clash, insisting his attention is firmly on the current generation rather than the team he once managed.
The Portuguese tactician, who previously coached the South American nation, acknowledged his knowledge of Colombian football but stressed that the focus must be on analysing the present squad as Ghana prepare for one of their biggest tests of the tournament.
“I know Colombia and many of the players very well, but it is my responsibility to study today’s Colombia, not yesterday’s,” Queiroz said.
The veteran coach noted that while the current Colombian side shares some characteristics with the team he led during the Copa América, it has developed into a stronger and more complete outfit.
“They remind me a little of the Colombia team I coached during the Copa America. They are a good team.”
Queiroz reserved special praise for Colombia’s tactical discipline and the quality spread throughout their squad, pointing out how the team has evolved in recent years.
“Colombia today are a very organised team with discipline and quality in every position. They have changed since the days of Juan Cuadrado and have added another dimension.”
The Black Stars boss also revealed he had closely followed Colombia’s impressive performance against Portugal during the group stage, describing them as a formidable opponent.
“I watched the match against Portugal, and they played very well. Tomorrow is another story. It is Ghana, and we will play with our own style and our own strengths.”
Despite his admiration for the South Americans, Queiroz remains confident that Ghana can compete by staying true to the identity his team has built throughout the tournament.
The Portuguese manager also underlined the magnitude of the knockout fixture, reminding his players that there are no second chances at this stage of the competition.
“There is no tomorrow. Everything belongs to the winner and nothing to the loser.”
Ghana face Colombia at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City with a place in the Round of 16 at stake, as the Black Stars look to extend their impressive World Cup campaign under Queiroz.
