'Only medicine that works is to win': Queiroz looking for top start against Panama
This marks Queiroz's fifth World Cup as a head coach, having previously managed Portugal, Iran, Colombia and Egypt. However, his role with Ghana is unique, as he enters a major tournament only two months after his appointment.
When asked about his starting lineup, the 73-year-old kept his plans close to his chest, indicating that every member of his travelling squad remains in contention until kick-off.
“We have a settled plan. At this moment, we are relying on all 26 players in the squad, and tomorrow we will make a decision and see the starting lineup.”
During the press conference, Thomas Partey was still in Smithfield, Rhode Island, as the hearing for his denied Canadian visa took place in Ottawa. Queiroz declined to comment further on the matter.
“I think it is unnecessary to comment. The story is public; freedom of speech exists. Adding more remarks about issues that are irrelevant is not my concern. My job is to work with the cards I have.
We are awaiting a decision. Once it arrives, we will be ready to finalise our approach to the game.”
Ultimately, the verdict came after the press conference, with the appeal dismissed, effectively ruling Partey out of the Panama match.
When asked whether the Panama fixture is a must-win, given the group also includes England and Croatia, Queiroz echoed his broader philosophy, which has guided him through over three decades of international football.
“Our value is not based on intentions or wishes. It is based on results. And the only medicine that works in football is to win. So, we are ready to fight for the result.”
He went further when directly asked if the opener felt like a do-or-die situation.
“I never recall in my life playing a game that was not a must-win,” he responded.
Ghana arrive in Toronto ranked 72nd in the world, the lowest in the group. Panama, at 30th, will be without key midfielder Adalberto 'Coco' Carrasquilla, who is still recovering from a muscle injury and is not expected to start for Thomas Christiansen's side.
Confidence in Black Stars
When asked to evaluate the Central Americans, Queiroz allowed himself a moment of competitive confidence.
“Of course, Panama has some weaknesses. We need to find them, and I believe we have the answers to their strengths.”
He then quickly outlined what he sees as his team's advantages.
“We have great experience, quality, speed, and skill,” he said.
“I think we can perform well in one-on-one situations. We are strong, and we will demonstrate our strengths in the game.”
Queiroz was equally realistic about the challenges facing his Black Stars over the next ten days.
“We know where we stand, we know the size of the mountain we must climb. But honestly, in the stadium, I expect more. I expect our fans to do even better because we need the twelfth player.”
Drum roll
Toronto is home to a large Ghanaian diaspora across the Greater Toronto Area, and the GFA has been working with travelling supporters and local Ghanaian community groups to fill BMO Field with red, gold, and green.
Panama will also have a vocal contingent, but Queiroz ended with perhaps the most evocative statement of the afternoon.
“We know the opposing fans will also be cheering. But I hope that during the game, the drums of Ghana will beat for 90 minutes in our hearts, accelerating the rhythm of our hearts.”
He also briefly touched on the tournament's wider issues.
When asked about FIFA's mandatory hydration breaks, Queiroz declined to take a public stance now but said he would like to see a thorough integrity report at the end of the tournament, assessing whether the rule was introduced to protect player health and performance or for other reasons.