VAR 'went for coffee' as lucky England escape against Ghana

Ghana manager Carlos Queiroz didn't hold back after his side held England to a goalless stalemate on Tuesday, joking that the video assistant referee must have been out getting coffee. The quip came after a contentious moment when England appeared to handle the ball in the box, with the incident going unpunished by both the on-field referee and VAR.

The incident

Late in the second half, a Ghanaian cross struck the arm of an England defender inside the area. Replays suggested the arm was in an unnatural position, but neither the referee nor VAR intervened. Queiroz, never one to mince words, said the officials must have been on a break. 'VAR went for coffee,' he said with a wry smile. 'England are lucky today.'

Why it matters

For a team with World Cup ambitions, England cannot afford to rely on fortune. Their attack struggled to break down a disciplined Ghana defense, raising questions about creativity in the final third. Meanwhile, Ghana will feel aggrieved but also buoyed by a performance that matched one of the tournament favorites. The point leaves both sides level on two points in a tightly contested group.

What it means going forward

With everything still to play for, this result could prove crucial. England need to fix their attacking issues before their next fixture, while Ghana have shown they can compete. If the calls continue to go against them, expect more vocal frustration from Queiroz. One thing is certain: VAR will be under the microscope for the rest of the tournament.