Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz says the Black Stars are ready for the pressure of knockout football, insisting the team's World Cup campaign truly begins with Friday's clash against Colombia.
After progressing from Group L as one of the tournament's best third-placed teams, Ghana now face an unbeaten Colombian side for a place in the Round of 16.
Queiroz believes success will depend on courage as much as talent.
"The real World Cup starts now for us," he said.
"It's not only about talent, but it's also about courage."
The Portuguese coach said there is no margin for error in knockout football and urged his players to maintain concentration from the opening whistle until the final minute.
"We have to stay focused from the first minute to the last."
He also warned against lapses in concentration late in games, pointing to the number of decisive goals scored during second halves throughout the tournament.
"We cannot allow fatigue to beat us. Ten minutes in the second half have decided many matches."
Queiroz said Ghana's fighting spirit remains one of the team's greatest strengths.
"It is in Ghana's DNA to fight and to build. The players are warriors and it makes us proud to coach them."
He concluded by expressing confidence that the Black Stars would give everything to make the Ghanaian people proud against Colombia.
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