Carlos Queiroz believes Ghana can beat Panama when the teams meet on Wednesday in Toronto. The Black Stars coach expressed optimism ahead of their World Cup Group L opener.
Ghana ranks 73rd globally and is making a fifth World Cup appearance. Their best finish came in 2010 when they reached the quarter-finals.
Panama sits 34th in the world rankings. It's their first World Cup tournament since 2018, when they crashed out in the group stage.
Queiroz will be coaching at his fifth World Cup finals. He emphasized how unpredictable the tournament truly is.
"The final outcome of football is always a mystery," he told reporters. "There is no formula, and that is why it's still so special after all these years."
According to him, everything hinges on commitment during matches. "How much are you committed on the day of the game?" he asked.
The Ghana coach expressed faith in his squad's ability to perform. He also warned that Panama won't be easy to break down.
"We're strong and we'll showcase our strengths in the game," Queiroz said. "Panama is a well-organised team, and we hold them in high regard because they are competitive."
He noted that Ghana has identified ways to counter Panama's strengths. "We have good solutions to their strengths and will try to expose the weaknesses they have," he added.
At 73, Queiroz draws on decades of elite-level experience. He's managed Real Madrid and Portugal among other top clubs.
Yet he cautioned that experience doesn't guarantee success. "There is a difference between a good decision and the right decision," he explained.
Sometimes the right call doesn't produce the desired result, he noted. Other times, you only know if a decision was correct much later.
Queiroz believes this World Cup offers him a chance to apply everything he's learned. He's determined to make smart choices when it matters most.
"I hope God gives me the inspiration to make the right decisions," he said. "I want to use my experience and everything that I've learned in my life so that I can make the right decisions at the right time."
Ghana starts their campaign against Panama in Group L on Wednesday. A strong opening performance could set the tone for their tournament push.
