We want all 3 points against Croatia to top group - Sibo

We want all 3 points against Croatia to top group – Sibo

Ghana midfielder Kwasi Sibo has expressed unwavering confidence ahead of the Black Stars’ crucial World Cup Group L match against Croatia, insisting the team is focused solely on securing victory to top the group. Speaking after the goalless draw with England, Sibo emphasized that the squad is not dwelling on past results and is fully committed to executing the game plan against the Vatreni.

Sibo, who started in midfield against England and helped maintain a clean sheet, highlighted the team’s adherence to coach Carlos Queiroz’s instructions. He recalled the pre-match briefing: “He told us to be compact. He told us to fight for each other. And he told us that, at this moment, he knows that we will suffer because we are playing against a great team. But still, we should keep our mentality tough, fight from the first minute to 90 minutes.” The midfielder affirmed that the players followed these directives precisely, contributing to the resilient defensive performance that kept England at bay.

Reflecting on the England match, Sibo acknowledged that while the team defended resolutely and created a chance that could have won the game, the outcome was a draw. Looking ahead to the Croatia encounter, he shifted the focus entirely to the upcoming challenge: “Now, the game against Croatia — I don’t think; I just believe that we’re going to take all three points.” This statement underscores the team’s ambition to finish atop Group L, which would secure a more favorable path in the knockout stage and avoid potential complications arising from alternative scenarios.

The midfielder also framed the match within a broader national context, stating that victory over Croatia would represent a collective effort for the entire country. He noted that the performance against England, though not yielding three points, demonstrated the squad’s ability to implement tactical discipline and maintain defensive solidity—qualities he believes will be essential against a technically gifted Croatian side.

Sibo further elaborated on his role within the team structure, emphasizing his commitment to collective success over individual accolades. “I’m a player that always plays for the team. I’m not an individual player, so I always support my teammates. So, every player that will be on the field is good to play for the nation. So, I always support the team and I always do my best to be available for the team and for the coach,” he said, highlighting his readiness to contribute whenever called upon.

Discussing his partnership with experienced midfielder Thomas Partey, Sibo noted the value of learning from a player who has competed at the highest levels of club football. “He (Partey) has a lot of experience from playing in the top leagues. So, every time training with him at the training grounds, we learn a lot from him, especially me as a midfielder, always playing close beside him. So we learn a lot. And when we saw him starting the game, we were all happy and we were all with him to let him stay focused and help the team,” he added, underscoring the mentorship and stability that Partey brings to the midfield.

Despite the optimism, Sibo acknowledged the inherent unpredictability of football, noting that athletes experience both highs and lows. His message remained one of perseverance: “As a footballer, you know, there are ups and downs. And I feel like this moment is one that I have to keep fighting for my nation and just hope for the best. His words reflect the fighting spirit seen in other teams at this tournament, such as Ecuador’s resilient performance against Germany, where a late goal turned the tide in their favor.” This balanced perspective reflects the maturity and professionalism required to navigate the pressures of a World Cup campaign.

The midfielder’s remarks also shed light on his selection for the Croatia match after being omitted from the starting lineup against Panama. He reiterated his team-first mentality, affirming that his primary goal is to support the squad and contribute to the collective objective, regardless of his specific role on any given day.

As the Black Stars prepare to face Croatia, the words of their midfielder capture the blend of determination, unity, and focus that could prove pivotal in their quest to advance from the group stage.

Image Source: GHANAIAN TIMES