Black Stars coach Carlos Queiroz has issued a stirring rallying cry on the eve of Ghana's World Cup showdown with England, declaring that while the Three Lions may have three lions on their shirts, Ghana will take to the field with 33 million lions behind them.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference at Boston Stadium, the veteran Portuguese coach framed Tuesday's Group L decider as a clash of football cultures and identities, not history, and insisted that Ghana would not lose sight of who they are.
"England has its strengths, its characteristics. We have ours. The most important thing is that we are not going to lose our identity because we want to add points to get to the qualification," Queiroz said.
He continued with a powerful message that resonated across the nation: "Knowing that it is a team that comes with three lions here in the shirt, but we come from Ghana and we have 33 million lions to fight. That's what we're going to do."
The winner of Tuesday's match will take control of Group L, with both teams sitting on three points after opening victories. Queiroz, overseeing his fifth World Cup, dismissed the weight of history, including Ghana's defeat to England in previous tournaments, insisting that memories and reputation do not win games.
"Football, we never lose. We win or we learn," he said. "Old games are different. It's a different team on the pitch. Different environment. Yes, the reputation and the prestige of results in the past, they are significant when they are written in the press, but they cannot win games. The memories and the reputation, they don't win games. So tomorrow it will be another story."
The coach also addressed the return of Thomas Partey, who was denied entry into Canada for the Panama match due to visa issues. While refusing to single out individual players, Queiroz confirmed that changes would be made to the starting line-up. "My favourite player, which is the team, I hope will be better. We'll be able to progress," he said.
Queiroz, who spent several years coaching in England with Manchester United and Real Madrid, spoke with admiration for the English football culture but insisted that the beauty of the World Cup lies in the clash of identities. "It is the English style that comes from premiership. But it is not the only football culture in the world. The beauty of the game is exactly when you put these cultures face-to-face to understand how we can beat each other. And this is exactly what we are going to see tomorrow," he said.
On the African identity of his squad, Queiroz emphasised the importance of allowing his players to express themselves authentically. "One African style team. I cannot change the DNA. It was a mistake if I changed the DNA of African players on the pitch. They should be themselves. They should enjoy to express the way they like, they see, they feel football," he said.
He also addressed the fitness of goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi, who was forced off against Panama with a groin injury. "We're going to make a decision tomorrow. He's still in treatment. Today was much better. But the decision will be made tomorrow, after the final medical assessment," Queiroz confirmed.
When asked how Ghana would hurt England, Queiroz offered a playful response: "I will not fall in the trap to give them some answers yet today. Just be a little bit more patient. And we'll see tomorrow how we're going to come out with our line-up and our strategic approach to the game."
Queiroz concluded with a promise to Ghanaian fans: "Trust me. Huge entertainment on the pitch. Huge entertainment. That's our job. To create entertainment. We belong to the entertainment business. This is our duty and our obligation on behalf of Ghana to create entertainment. It will be a wonderful game. I guarantee you there will be memories and hearts of people after the game finishes."
