Black Stars Ignore Critics, Eye Croatia Victory to Secure World Cup Progression

Semenyo: We've Turned Doubt Into Fuel

The Black Stars are approaching Saturday's crucial World Cup Group L decider against Croatia with confidence, according to Manchester City forward Antoine Semenyo. Speaking before the Lincoln Financial Field showdown, Semenyo revealed the team has used external criticism as motivation, brushing aside predictions from pundits who had written Ghana off before the tournament.

Ghana sit joint top of the group on four points following Tuesday's goalless draw with England. A victory against Croatia would guarantee passage to the Round of 32, and Semenyo emphasised the squad's determination to finish the group stage on a high. "Everyone's ready, everyone's excited and good to go," he said. "We know how important this next game is. We want to make sure we finish off right, get into the next round and continue preparing, fighting as a team."

The 25-year-old praised manager Carlos Queiroz's impact since taking charge, crediting the Portuguese coach with strengthening Ghana's defensive organisation whilst maintaining attacking threat. "The manager's obviously come in, brought in his philosophy. And it's worked out perfectly for us," Semenyo noted. "We're a lot more defensively solid, for sure. And we can definitely create chances."

Ghana will face a stern test against the Croatians, but Semenyo insisted the squad's morale remains high and the group is unified in its pursuit of progression.