Colombia Beat Ghana to Reach World Cup Last 16

KANSAS CITY: Colombia defeated Ghana 1-0 on Friday to qualify for the FIFA World Cup last 16 after another strong performance.

Jhon Arias scored the only goal of the match in the 14th minute. He calmly finished a cross from substitute Luis Suarez after Colombia created an early chance.

Suarez came on after Jhon Cordoba was forced off with an apparent groin injury just eight minutes into the game.

Colombia’s defence stayed solid throughout the match and did not allow Ghana many clear scoring opportunities. Ghana’s Antoine Semenyo tried to create chances, but Colombia’s backline kept him quiet.

Colombia had several chances to score again. Luis Diaz came close in the first half and later thought he had doubled the lead, but his goal was ruled out for offside.

Ghana goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi made several excellent saves late in the game to keep the score at 1-0.

Thousands of Colombian fans filled the stadium in Kansas City, creating a lively atmosphere despite the hot weather. Temperatures reached around 30°C (86°F), but supporters continued cheering their team throughout the match.

Colombia have now gone unbeaten in the tournament after topping Group K with wins over Portugal, Uzbekistan and DR Congo.

The South American side will face Switzerland on Tuesday in Vancouver for a place in the quarter-finals.

The match also made tournament history, as both teams were forced to make injury substitutions before the 15th minute. Ghana defender Marvin Senaya left with a hamstring injury, while Colombia lost Jhon Cordoba early in the game.