Colombia claimed the final place in the FIFA World Cup last 16 after beating Ghana 1-0 in a tough round-of-32 encounter in Kansas City, leaving Africa with just two teams for the next round.
Jhon Arias scored the decisive goal in the first half as Colombia controlled large spells of the contest to secure a last-16 meeting with Switzerland.
The South Americans created several chances to extend their advantage but had to settle for a single-goal victory against a Ghana side that struggled to threaten throughout the match.
Arias strikes after early setback
Both teams suffered early injury setbacks in the opening minutes.
Colombia were forced to replace striker Jhon Cordoba with Luis Suarez after Cordoba picked up a groin injury, while Ghana lost defender Marvin Senaya to a hamstring problem, with Alidu Seidu coming on as his replacement.
Colombia broke the deadlock in the 14th minute when Suarez burst down the right flank before delivering a cross to the far post. Arias arrived unmarked to guide a controlled volley into the net after Seidu failed to track his run.
Ghana’s best opportunity came through Thomas Partey, whose long-range effort drifted narrowly wide early in the game.
Antoine Semenyo also saw a shot deflected over the crossbar, but the Black Stars failed to seriously test the Colombian defence.
Before halftime, Luis Diaz and Suarez both missed chances to increase Colombia’s lead, while goalkeeper Lawrence Zigi produced an excellent save to keep out Johan Mojica’s header.
Ghana exit after blunt ouitng
Colombia continued to dominate after the break, with Richard Rios, Gustavo Puerta and Diaz all going close.
Diaz also had a goal ruled out for offside before being denied in a one-on-one situation by Zigi, who produced several important saves to keep Ghana in the contest.
Despite Colombia’s missed opportunities, Ghana struggled to create clear-cut chances and finished the match without a shot on target.
The defeat ended Ghana’s World Cup campaign, making them the eighth African country to exit the finals.
Colombia, meanwhile, advanced with confidence after another impressive performance and will face Switzerland in the last 16 as they continue their pursuit of a place in the quarter-finals.
