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Editor's note: Keep up with the Ghana-Colombia game with our live blog, here.
KANSAS CITY, MO — As Carlos Queiroz walked into his prematch press conference, he saw familiar faces. He waved, smiled and shared pleasantries with Colombian media.
The Ghana head coach is preparing his team to face Colombia in the round of 32.
Queiroz is the former Colombia manager, from 2019-2020. He coached the team in the 2019 Copa America before being fired during 2022 World Cup qualification.
“I can say that I truly enjoyed and loved my work with Colombian team,” Queiroz said. “You might remember that I started working when we tried to qualify for the previous World Cup. It was a challenge, strange times.”
World Cup: Why Kansas City is 'the heart of soccer'
One of the main challenges was juggling the COVID-19 pandemic.
During the press conference, Queiroz took the time to honor former goalkeeper coach Des McAleenan.
McAleenan died in February 2021 at 53 years old, a few months after Queiroz and his staff were fired from the Colombian national team.
Queiroz hopes that the World Cup knockout clash will be a chance for both Ghana and Colombia to honor McAleenan and his loved ones.
“I need to remind everybody about this so that we can celebrate his life. Tomorrow, is a chance to make reparations with Coach McAleenan and his family,” Queiroz said. “Celebrating life is important.”
McAleenan was the goalkeeping coach for MLS side New York Red Bulls from 2002-11. He also worked for the United States youth national team. The Ireland native also played soccer at the college ranks, for Central Connecticut State.
Ghana and Colombia will kick-off at 9:30 p.m. ET on Friday, July 3 in Kansas City.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz honors late goalkeeper coach Des McAleenan
Continue reading...
KANSAS CITY, MO — As Carlos Queiroz walked into his prematch press conference, he saw familiar faces. He waved, smiled and shared pleasantries with Colombian media.
The Ghana head coach is preparing his team to face Colombia in the round of 32.
Queiroz is the former Colombia manager, from 2019-2020. He coached the team in the 2019 Copa America before being fired during 2022 World Cup qualification.
“I can say that I truly enjoyed and loved my work with Colombian team,” Queiroz said. “You might remember that I started working when we tried to qualify for the previous World Cup. It was a challenge, strange times.”
World Cup: Why Kansas City is 'the heart of soccer'
One of the main challenges was juggling the COVID-19 pandemic.
During the press conference, Queiroz took the time to honor former goalkeeper coach Des McAleenan.
McAleenan died in February 2021 at 53 years old, a few months after Queiroz and his staff were fired from the Colombian national team.
Queiroz hopes that the World Cup knockout clash will be a chance for both Ghana and Colombia to honor McAleenan and his loved ones.
“I need to remind everybody about this so that we can celebrate his life. Tomorrow, is a chance to make reparations with Coach McAleenan and his family,” Queiroz said. “Celebrating life is important.”
McAleenan was the goalkeeping coach for MLS side New York Red Bulls from 2002-11. He also worked for the United States youth national team. The Ireland native also played soccer at the college ranks, for Central Connecticut State.
Ghana and Colombia will kick-off at 9:30 p.m. ET on Friday, July 3 in Kansas City.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz honors late goalkeeper coach Des McAleenan
Continue reading...
