Everton’s Jordan Pickford extended his England record of the most clean sheets in major tournaments to 13 in the goalless World Cup draw with Ghana, but opposition boss Carlos Quieroz reckoned he should have faced a penalty, questioning whether “VAR had gone for a coffee”.
Although England dominated for long periods during the Boston stalemate, with almost 79% possession, Ghana looked dangerous on the counter-attack and almost caught Thomas Tuchel’s side out in the second half. England’s Noni Madueke felt he should have been given a free-kick when knocked off the ball by Ghana substitute Abdul Fatawu, but referee Said Martinez of Honduras played on with Fatawu finding Prince Kwabena Adu, who was challenged in the area by Ezri Konsa.
Many have since suggested that VAR should have intervened so that the West African nation could be awarded a spot-kick for the tackle and Quieroz, coaching at his sixth World Cup after being in charge of South Africa (2002); Portugal (2010) and Iran (2014, 2018, 2022) was one of them.
Speaking in his post-match press conference, the 73-year-old, who had two spells as Sir Alex Ferguson’s assistant manager at Manchester United, 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.
“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? “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.”
Meanwhile, various media outlets scored Pickford’s overall performance with their England player ratings and they included the following...
John Cross, Mirror 6
Largely a spectator because Ghana offered little going forward. Lucky when Adu messed up a break.
Mike McGrath, Telegraph 6
Ghana wanted him sent off for a foul on Prince Kwabena Adu, but the England No.1 was kicked himself. Barely touched the ball in the first part of the game. One stat that highlighted England’s dominance was their 111 passes to Ghana’s 14 in the first 13 minutes of the game. It was a case of keeping concentration. Distribution was better than his tournament opener in Dallas.
Ed Aarons, Guardian 5
A spectator for the first half, but was very lucky to escape further punishment after bringing down Prince Adu.
Kieran Jackson, Independent 6
Did not have a single save to make but was perhaps fortunate to escape without sanction after a collision with Ghana substitute Prince Kwabena Adu outside the penalty area. A welcome clean sheet after conceding two goals against Croatia.
Tom Maston, Goal 6
Barely tested in the England goal. Slightly fortunate when he charged out of his goal and collided with Adu in the second half.
David Cartlidge, ESPN 6
Perhaps fortunate when he charged off his line to meet Ghana substitute Prince Kwabena but he didn't have a single save to make all game. He will certainly take the clean sheet after conceding twice against Croatia. Distribution still needs a lot of work though.
Mark White, FourFourTwo 6
Virtually nothing to do in the first half except spray balls forward: we expected that though, right? Incredibly lucky to see a foul given his way after a collision with Prince Adu just before the drinks break (that could well have gone the other way).