The real tournament starts now, says Carlos Queiroz after steering Ghana to World Cup round of 32

The Black Stars lost their final Group L clash 2-1 to Croatia in Philadelphia on Saturday following goals from Petar Sucic (31') and Nikola Vlasic (83') as Derrick Luckassen for Ghana was on target after 73 minutes.

But Queiroz's side secured a last 32 clash, against Colombia on Saturday after ending as one of the eight best third placed teams.

Ghana kicked off their World Cup with a narrow 1-0 defeat of Panama before holding England to a goalless draw.

Reflecting on his side's progression, Queiroz, who is attending his fifth global showpiece as a coach, explained they will need to be at their best to make it to the last 16.

"I have just told my players that the real-world championship starts in the next round,❠Queiroz said on Ghanaweb.

"The group stage is the warming-up and qualification for the next round is like a credit card but now you have to start paying. Everything goes to the winner, every game is drama, nobody can hide."

While England face DR Congo in their last 32 clash, Croatia will play Portugal.

READ MORE: Portugal survive Colombia scare, DR Congo make history to reach knockout stage