Zdravko Logarušić is a Croatian professional football head coach and Former Asante Kotoko and King Faisal manager believes Ghana have the quality, strength and experience to eliminate Colombia and make a deep run at the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Former Asante Kotoko and King Faisal head coach Zdravko Logarušić has thrown his full support behind Ghana ahead of the Black Stars’ crucial Round of 32 clash against Colombia, insisting the four-time African champions have everything required to overcome the South American giants and even challenge for a place in the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The experienced Croatian coach, who is well known in Ghanaian football after managing several clubs in the country, believes the current Black Stars squad possesses the physical strength, pace, stamina and tactical quality needed to compete with any team in world football.
His comments come as Ghana prepares for one of its biggest matches in recent years, with Carlos Queiroz’s side aiming to secure a place in the Round of 16 when they face Group K winners Colombia at Kansas City Stadium.
The Black Stars booked their place in the knockout stage after finishing among the best third-placed teams in the expanded 48-team World Cup. Ghana collected four points in Group L, recording a 1-0 victory over Panama, a goalless draw against England and a narrow 2-1 defeat to Croatia.
Although the defeat to Croatia denied Ghana the chance to finish higher in the group, qualification was already secured before the final group match, allowing the Black Stars to continue their journey in the tournament.
Now, Logarušić believes the knockout rounds provide Ghana with the perfect opportunity to demonstrate their true potential.
Logarušić believes Ghana can compete with anyone
Speaking in an interview with Ghanasportspage.com, the Croatian tactician made it clear that he does not believe Ghana should fear any nation remaining in the tournament.
According to him, the Black Stars possess the physical attributes that every successful international team requires, making them capable of matching even the strongest footballing nations.
“Let’s make it simple without emotions. Ghana can play against any team in the world because they are good physically and have speed and stamina for any opponent. No team in the world can easily say they will beat Ghana. Ghana has a strong team.”
Logarušić explained that Ghana’s athleticism has always been one of the country’s greatest strengths.
Over the years, Ghanaian teams have earned a reputation for combining power, pace and determination with technical ability, qualities that have helped the Black Stars compete successfully at World Cups and Africa Cup of Nations tournaments. The Croatian believes the current squad continues that tradition.
Experienced coaching staff gives Ghana extra confidence
Beyond the quality of the players, Logarušić also praised the technical team assembled around Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz.
The Portuguese coach took charge of Ghana only months before the World Cup but has already transformed the team into one of the tournament’s most organised defensive units.
Under Queiroz, Ghana kept clean sheets against both Panama and England before conceding their first goals of the tournament against Croatia.
Logarušić believes the combination of experienced coaches and talented players gives Ghana every chance of progressing deep into the competition.
“The Ghanaian national team now has some experienced coaches and good quality players on the pitch to overcome any opponent. If they can not overcome Colombia and Switzerland, then they’re not strong enough because they’re not teams that Ghana should be scared.”
His comments reflect his belief that Ghana should approach every knockout game with confidence rather than caution.
According to the Croatian manager, fear has no place at this stage of the tournament. Instead, he wants the Black Stars to trust their abilities and impose themselves against every opponent.
Ghana’s performances have shown encouraging signs
Despite finishing third in Group L, Ghana produced several impressive displays during the group stage. The tournament began with a disciplined victory over Panama, where the Black Stars defended resolutely before securing a valuable three points.
That was followed by one of Ghana’s best performances in recent years, holding England to a goalless draw through excellent organisation, determination and teamwork.
Although Croatia eventually defeated Ghana in the final group match, the Black Stars remained competitive throughout the contest.
After falling behind in the first half, Ghana responded strongly after the interval, with Derrick Luckassen scoring on his World Cup debut to bring the game level. Croatia eventually found a late winner, but Ghana had already secured qualification to the Round of 32.
Those performances have convinced many observers that the Black Stars are capable of causing problems for Colombia. Logarušić is among those who believe Ghana’s displays deserve greater recognition.
Colombia present a major challenge
While Logarušić is optimistic, he also recognises the quality of Colombia. The South Americans progressed to the knockout stage after winning Group K ahead of Portugal, producing some of the tournament’s most consistent performances.
Under head coach Nestor Lorenzo, Colombia have developed into one of the strongest teams at the World Cup. Their attack has impressed with pace and creativity, while their midfield has controlled matches through intelligent movement and technical excellence.
Even Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente recently described Colombia as one of the favourites to win the World Cup, praising their physical qualities and outstanding attacking players. Those comments highlight the size of the task awaiting Ghana.
However, Logarušić believes Colombia’s reputation should not intimidate the Black Stars. Instead, he argues that this is exactly the type of match Ghana should embrace.
Confidence key to knockout success
According to Logarušić, confidence often separates winning teams from losing ones during the knockout stages of major tournaments.
Every remaining nation possesses quality, but those who believe in themselves usually perform better under pressure.
The Croatian believes Ghana’s players should enter the Colombia match convinced they belong among the world’s best teams.
Several members of the current squad have already demonstrated their ability on the international stage. Goalkeeper Benjamin Asare has emerged as one of the highest-rated goalkeepers at the World Cup.
Defenders Jonas Adjetey, Marvin Senaya and Jerome Opoku have impressed with composed displays throughout the tournament.
Midfielders Kwasi Sibo and Caleb Yirenkyi have provided balance and energy, while experienced forwards Jordan Ayew and Antoine Semenyo continue to lead the attack.
With that blend of youth and experience, Logarušić believes Ghana possess enough quality to challenge any opponent.
Road to the semi-finals remains possible
Perhaps the boldest part of Logarušić’s assessment concerns Ghana’s potential route through the knockout stages.
The Croatian coach believes the tournament draw has given the Black Stars an excellent opportunity to reach the last four.
“Looking at the path of Ghana, they have a fantastic opportunity to reach the semi finals of the World Cup. They have quality on the field to do that.”
If Ghana defeat Colombia, they will meet Switzerland in the Round of 16. Logarušić believes neither Colombia nor Switzerland are opponents the Black Stars should fear.
Instead, he argues that both matches represent opportunities for Ghana to prove they belong among the world’s elite.
Should the Black Stars successfully navigate those fixtures, they would move within one match of the World Cup final.
Such an achievement would surpass Ghana’s historic run to the quarter-finals at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, which remains the country’s best-ever performance at the tournament.
Historic opportunity for the Black Stars
The upcoming clash with Colombia therefore represents far more than simply another knockout fixture. For Ghana, it is an opportunity to continue building one of the country’s most memorable World Cup campaigns.
Carlos Queiroz has repeatedly reminded his players that the knockout stage represents a completely new competition where every match must be treated like a final.
Victory would not only keep Ghana’s World Cup dream alive but also strengthen belief that the Black Stars can compete with the very best nations in world football. Logarušić shares that belief wholeheartedly.
Having spent years working in Ghanaian football, he understands both the strengths and the mentality of Ghanaian players. His confidence is based not on emotion but on what he believes is the genuine quality within the current squad.
Everything to play for in Kansas City
As the countdown to kick-off continues, anticipation is growing across Ghana and beyond. Colombia may enter the match carrying the tag of favourites after topping Group K, but the Black Stars have already demonstrated throughout the tournament that they are capable of frustrating highly rated opponents.
The disciplined draw against England and the determined performances against Panama and Croatia have provided clear evidence that Ghana possess both the tactical discipline and competitive spirit required for knockout football. For Logarušić, the equation is straightforward.
The Black Stars have the players, the coaching staff and the physical qualities needed to defeat Colombia. Now, all that remains is to produce another composed performance on the pitch.
If Ghana can rise to the occasion, the Croatian believes the journey will not end in Kansas City but could continue all the way to the semi-finals, where an even greater chapter in the nation’s football history would await.
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