Asare keeps England scoreless as Ghana eye Croatia shock

Asare and the backline shut out England

Ghana 0–0 England. Let that sink in. Your team held the Three Lions to nothing in Foxborough, and Thomas Tuchel called it one of the most disciplined defensive displays he has ever seen (3). Benjamin Asare kept Harry Kane off the scoresheet, the same goalkeeper who was training in a swimming pool before this tournament began.

England threw on Bukayo Saka, Noni Madueke, Anthony Gordon, and Morgan Rogers. None of them cracked it (3) (4). Gary Neville suggested Gordon should be dropped for the next match, which tells you how ineffective England's forwards looked (4).

Carlos Queiroz had his team organized to the last man. He also had words for the VAR officials after the match, calling them "on holiday" (3).

The Spence–Partey handshake snub

Djed Spence refused to shake Thomas Partey's hand before kickoff. The moment spread fast on social media and added an extra edge to a night already crackling with tension (3). Partey had missed Ghana's opening win over Panama and walked straight into this.

There was also a flashpoint between Queiroz and Jude Bellingham during the match, two strong personalities colliding on the biggest stage (3).

A hydration break that nobody wanted

Injury delays turned into an unofficial drink break before the scheduled hydration pause, and neither set of players was happy about it. FIFA's timing of commercial breaks is becoming a talking point at this tournament (2). Boston Stadium on a warm night, players going down, and the whole thing feeling more like a TV timeout than player welfare.

Croatia next, and another shock is possible

Your team sits on four points after two matches, the 1–0 win over Panama and this 0–0 with England. One more result against Croatia in the final group match and Ghana are through.

Swedish outlet Expressen is already calling it: Ghana could produce another shock (1). Croatia will not relish facing a defense this stubborn.

Fan reactions

Ghana fans on Reddit are already counting the knockout spots. One thread notes that Africa could have up to a quarter of all teams in the round of 32, with Ghana and Egypt effectively through on four points and Ivory Coast and Algeria needing just a point each. Read the discussion here.