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KANSAS CITY, MO — The teams that play effectively in pressure-packed situations are set for success in the knockout stage of the World Cup.
Pressure will be high for both Ghana and Colombia when they meet in the round of 32 on Friday, July 3.
“We don’t need to bring more pressure on to us,” Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz said. “When the game starts, I need to be sure that my players will enjoy playing the game. Enjoy every challenge.”
Ghana will be the underdogs against a Colombia team riding high. Colombia have lost just twice in its last 16 games dating back to March 2025.
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In the World Cup, Colombia picked up wins over Uzbekistan and DR Congo in the group stage. They ended group play with a 0-0 draw to Portugal. The team is in form, but that doesn’t mean Colombia can take Ghana lightly.
“We hope we have still what it takes to keep going and take another step forward and get to the next round,” Colombia coach Nestor Lorenzo said.
Ghana will face another possession-dominant team in Colombia, just as in the group stage. The Black Stars secured a 1-0 win over Panama before drawing 0-0 to England and losing 2-1 to Croatia.
Ghana has had possession of the ball for far less than their opponents in the first three games. This is the style that can help Ghana secure a result in the knockout round.
“Everyone is going to have to show up,” Ghana captain Andre Ayew said. “I’m pretty confident that it’s natural for us. Under pressure, the boys will flourish.”
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Lorenzo isn’t too sure Ghana will sit in a low block. He deferred quickly when asked in Thursday’s press conference. He emphasized the team’s need to adapt to different styles of play that Ghana may throw at the South American squad.
“I don’t know what Ghana is going to show us. I’m not too certain,” Lorenzo said. “I think that what we need to do is, on top of playing well, you have to be efficient and you have to have luck. I hope get that tomorrow.”
It should be another fantastic match between two of the top teams in the tournament. Kansas City has enjoyed some of the World Cup’s best matches, from Lionel Messi’s hat trick to Eloy Room’s record-setting night and Austria versus Algeria’s wild ending.
“Nevertheless, tomorrow’s game there are no margins for error,” Queiroz said. “We have to do everything in the 90 minutes.”
Liam Keating covers the World Cup in Kansas City for USA TODAY. He also covers high school sports and Washburn University for The Topeka Capital-Journal. Send stats or information to him at [email protected]
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Playing under pressure key in Ghana vs Colombia World Cup knockout clash
Continue reading...
Pressure will be high for both Ghana and Colombia when they meet in the round of 32 on Friday, July 3.
“We don’t need to bring more pressure on to us,” Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz said. “When the game starts, I need to be sure that my players will enjoy playing the game. Enjoy every challenge.”
Ghana will be the underdogs against a Colombia team riding high. Colombia have lost just twice in its last 16 games dating back to March 2025.
World Cup: Why Kansas City is 'the heart of soccer'
In the World Cup, Colombia picked up wins over Uzbekistan and DR Congo in the group stage. They ended group play with a 0-0 draw to Portugal. The team is in form, but that doesn’t mean Colombia can take Ghana lightly.
“We hope we have still what it takes to keep going and take another step forward and get to the next round,” Colombia coach Nestor Lorenzo said.
Ghana will face another possession-dominant team in Colombia, just as in the group stage. The Black Stars secured a 1-0 win over Panama before drawing 0-0 to England and losing 2-1 to Croatia.
Ghana has had possession of the ball for far less than their opponents in the first three games. This is the style that can help Ghana secure a result in the knockout round.
“Everyone is going to have to show up,” Ghana captain Andre Ayew said. “I’m pretty confident that it’s natural for us. Under pressure, the boys will flourish.”
World Cup: Meet Mohammad Abualnadi, the Kansas City native making history with Jordan
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Lorenzo isn’t too sure Ghana will sit in a low block. He deferred quickly when asked in Thursday’s press conference. He emphasized the team’s need to adapt to different styles of play that Ghana may throw at the South American squad.
“I don’t know what Ghana is going to show us. I’m not too certain,” Lorenzo said. “I think that what we need to do is, on top of playing well, you have to be efficient and you have to have luck. I hope get that tomorrow.”
It should be another fantastic match between two of the top teams in the tournament. Kansas City has enjoyed some of the World Cup’s best matches, from Lionel Messi’s hat trick to Eloy Room’s record-setting night and Austria versus Algeria’s wild ending.
“Nevertheless, tomorrow’s game there are no margins for error,” Queiroz said. “We have to do everything in the 90 minutes.”
Liam Keating covers the World Cup in Kansas City for USA TODAY. He also covers high school sports and Washburn University for The Topeka Capital-Journal. Send stats or information to him at [email protected]
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Playing under pressure key in Ghana vs Colombia World Cup knockout clash
Continue reading...
