Colombia beats Ghana 1-0 to reach World Cup last 16, will face Switzerland
Jhon Arias scored in the 14th minute as Colombia defeated Ghana 1-0 in the final match of the round of 32, securing a place in the knockout stage against Switzerland.
Match recap
Colombia secured a 1-0 victory over Ghana in the final match of the World Cup round of 32, with Jhon Arias scoring the decisive goal in the 14th minute. The South American side, who topped Group K with seven points, controlled much of the game and limited Ghana to few clear chances. Ghana, who advanced as one of the best third-placed teams, struggled to break down Colombia's defence and rarely threatened Camilo Vargas's goal.
Key moments
The match began with early injuries for both sides. Colombia lost striker Jhon Cordoba in the 7th minute, replaced by Luis Suarez, while Ghana's Marvin Senaya was forced off shortly after. Suarez made an immediate impact, delivering the cross that Arias headed home. Ghana's goalkeeper Lawrence Ati Zigi kept his team in the game with a fine save from Johan Mojica in first-half stoppage time. In the second half, Luis Diaz had a goal disallowed for offside in the 56th minute, and Colombia comfortably saw out the win.
- Jhon Cordoba injured, replaced by Luis Suarez
- Jhon Arias scores from Suarez cross
- Ati Zigi saves Mojica's shot
- Luis Diaz goal disallowed for offside
- Full-time, Colombia wins 1-0
Group stage context
Colombia won Group K ahead of Portugal, recording wins over DR Congo and Uzbekistan and a draw. They conceded only one goal in three matches, prompting Spain coach Luis de la Fuente to label them a World Cup contender. Ghana, coached by Carlos Queiroz, beat Panama and drew with England to finish third in their group behind England and Croatia.
What they said
Colombia coach Nestor Lorenzo had earlier downplayed his team's favourite status.
I prefer not to be considered the favourite. On the other hand, every time we had to take control, the team did it. That's proof we are developing.
What's next
Colombia will face Switzerland in the round of 16 on July 7. The full schedule for the knockout stage includes Canada vs Morocco, Paraguay vs France, Brazil vs Norway, Mexico vs England, Portugal vs Spain, USA vs Belgium, and Argentina vs Egypt.
