Queiroz Criticizes Expanded World Cup Format

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Carlos Queiroz, the head coach of Ghana's national football team, has voiced his concerns over the 48-team format of the World Cup, fearing it may diminish the competition's prestige. Ghana has advanced to the knockout stage as one of the best third-place teams, having collected four points in their group stage matches against Panama and England. Despite a 2-1 loss to Croatia, their performance was enough to secure a place in the next round. While Ghana celebrates this achievement, Queiroz is wary of the extended format, stating that rarity adds value to the World Cup. "I've never seen common things with huge value," he remarked, suggesting that an increase in qualifying teams could make the tournament ordinary. Queiroz also alluded to the influence of financial interests in football, coining the term "moneyball" to describe the shifting dynamics within the sport. Meanwhile, the new format has allowed more teams to reach the finals, with seven nations, including South Africa and Ivory Coast, advancing past the group stage for the first time. Ghana is set to face Colombia in Kansas City, with the winner playing either Switzerland or Algeria.

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