World Cup Stalemate
England and Ghana Draw 0-0 at World Cup Despite Numerous Missed Late Chances
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England dominated from start to finish but couldn't find the net, playing to a 0-0 draw with Ghana at the 2026 World Cup on Tuesday. England outshot Ghana 19-1 yet wasted a string of golden chances in the final minutes, leaving both teams level on four points atop Group L, according to AP News.
The match was played before 63,983 fans at the University of New York stadium. Both sides had won their opening games — England beat Croatia 4-2 and Ghana edged Panama 1-0 — so the draw keeps them both in a strong position to reach the knockout stage, Al Jazeera reported.
Late Crossbar and Saved Header Deny England
England's best moments came in a frantic final ten minutes. In the 86th minute, Bukayo Saka forced Ghana goalkeeper Benjamin Asare into a sharp point-blank save, according to AP News. Substitute Nico O'Reilly then headed the follow-up onto the crossbar. Harry Kane missed the rebound with the goal open.
England's first shot on target didn't come until the 57th minute, when Anthony Gordon tested Asare. The late chances masked a largely toothless display. Asare was named Player of the Match for his heroics, Houston Chronicle noted.
Ghana's 5-4-1 Block Shuts Down England's Attack
Ghana manager Carlos Queiroz set up a disciplined 5-4-1 low block that frustrated England for long stretches. England controlled 80% of possession in the first half but created almost nothing, recording zero shots on target before halftime, The Guardian reported.
Ghana's Abdul Fatawu was their most dangerous outlet, outmuscling Eberechi Eze in the 78th minute. Prince Adu nearly put Ghana ahead but was denied by a last-ditch Ezri Konsa challenge before he could shoot, according to AP News.
England Unbeaten Against Africa, But Creativity a Concern
England entered the match having never lost to an African nation in nine previous World Cup meetings. That record holds, but the performance raised questions. Harry Kane said post-match: "We dominated, but you have to find solutions when a team sits with 11 behind the ball," per Sky Sports.
Midfielder Declan Rice struck a more upbeat tone. "There's no need to be downbeat. We stay positive and top the group against Panama," Rice told reporters, per PA Media. England ranked 6th in the world; Ghana ranked 73rd. The shot count of 19-1 showed England's control — but also their wastefulness.
Both Teams Now Favor to Reach Knockout Stage
With four points each, England and Ghana are strong favorites to advance from Group L. England plays Panama on June 27 at MetLife Stadium. A draw is enough to guarantee their spot in the Round of 32, according to AFP.
Ghana faces Panama in Philadelphia. A win would almost certainly send them through. For the Black Stars, holding a top-10 European side scoreless is a massive confidence boost. Ghana hasn't reached the knockout rounds since their historic 2010 quarterfinal run, Al Jazeera noted.
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