Queiroz set for fifth straight World Cup as Ghana begin campaign

TORONTO: Carlos Queiroz is set to make history this week as he leads Ghana into the World Cup, becoming part of a select group of coaches to have appeared at five consecutive editions of the tournament.

Ghana open their Group L campaign against Panama in Toronto on Wednesday, with the 73-year-old Portuguese taking charge. His run at successive World Cups began with Portugal in 2010 and continued with Iran in 2014, 2018 and 2022.

That sequence matches the mark set by Bora Milutinovic, who coached at five World Cups in a row between 1986 and 2002 with five different national teams. Brazilian coach Carlos Alberto Parreira still holds the overall record with six World Cup appearances, though not in consecutive tournaments.

Late call back to the global stage

Queiroz had not been expected to be part of this year’s tournament in Canada, Mexico and the United States. His appointment came only in April, after Ghana replaced Otto Addo, who had been dismissed in March following a run of disappointing friendly results.

Before Ghana’s approach, Queiroz’s coaching career had appeared to be over. His most recent role was in Oman, the eighth different country whose national team he had managed. He has also coached Real Madrid and served as Alex Ferguson’s assistant at Manchester United during a long managerial career.

Contrasting views on his style

Queiroz as a coach known for a cerebral and technical approach, combined with an often confrontational touchline presence. While he is respected in some quarters, others have been less impressed by his manner.

Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane offered a harsh assessment of him.

"I felt he had the personality of a dead fly when I worked with him,"

In Portugal, however, Queiroz is widely regarded as an influential figure in the country’s football development. The daily sports newspaper A’Bola said last month:

"In a country where greatness is so often measured by the result of the next match, Queiroz deserves to be remembered for something deeper - the construction of a culture that still endures of bringing the knowledge of universities to the pitch and, thus, contributing to Portugal being recognised as a training ground for elite footballers,"

Career roots and current task

Queiroz first built his reputation by guiding Portugal to back-to-back Under-20 World Cup titles in 1989 and 1991. During that period, he helped usher through a generation of notable players including Luis Figo, Paulo Sousa and Joao Pinto.

Now in charge of Ghana, he is seeking to add another chapter to his career by taking the African side as far as possible at the World Cup. When he accepted the role, Queiroz said he was ready for the challenge.

"I am prepared for this,"

I bring 40 years of experience to every decision that will be made.