England frustated as Ghana’s defence holds firm for 0-0 draw

England failed to break down a determined Ghana side on Tuesday, settling for a goalless draw in their second Group L match at the World Cup. The result leaves both teams in strong positions to advance to the knockout stages.

The stalemate came as a disappointment for Thomas Tuchel’s squad, especially after their opening 4-2 victory over Croatia. Ghana, who had snatched a dramatic 1-0 win against Panama in the dying seconds of their first group game, made their intentions clear from the kick-off by setting up to neutralise England’s attacking threat.

Under a steady drizzle, England struggled to create clear-cut chances. Ghana’s players systematically surrounded captain Harry Kane and any English player who ventured into dangerous areas, effectively smothering them.

The first 45 minutes marked the first time in this World Cup that neither team managed a single shot on target.

England coach Thomas Tuchel had earlier predicted that Ghana would be well prepared under Carlos Queiroz, who is coaching in his fifth World Cup and brings extensive knowledge of English football from two stints as assistant manager at Manchester United.

Ghana posed a threat on the counter-attack, using the pace of Antoine Semenyo and substitute Prince Kwabena Adu to catch England off guard.

But England wasted the best chance of the match in the 86th minute. A header from Nico O’Reilly struck the crossbar, and Harry Kane fired the rebound over the bar.

“I couldn’t control the ball properly,” Kane said. “But I’m confident I can score most of the time. That’s football. I’ve been a striker long enough to know it doesn’t always go in, so I have to accept it.”

Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz praised his team for executing the strategy designed to frustrate England.

“I’m so proud of the way our players fought throughout the match and their commitment to the game plan,” he said.