FIFA World Cup: Unbeaten Colombia edge Ghana 1-0, set up Switzerland clash in last 16
Jhon Arias scored the only goal as Colombia beat Ghana 1-0 in Kansas City on Friday to secure a place in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16, where they will face Switzerland in Vancouver on Tuesday.
Jhon Arias scored the only goal as Colombia extended their unbeaten FIFA World Cup campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Ghana in Kansas City on Friday, booking a Round of 16 clash against Switzerland.
Arias struck in the 14th minute, turning home from close range after Luis Suarez, who had replaced the injured Jhon Cordoba only moments earlier, delivered a dangerous cross from the right. The early goal was enough for Colombia, who controlled the game for long periods and never allowed Ghana a shot on target.
The South Americans, who failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup, have now reached the knockout stage for the third time in their last four appearances after advancing to the quarterfinals in 2014 and the Round of 16 in 2018.
Colombia created chances throughout but were repeatedly denied by Ghana goalkeeper Lawrence Ati Zigi, who kept his side in the contest with a string of impressive saves. The goalkeeper finished with seven saves as Colombia dominated the statistics, outshooting Ghana 20-8 and forcing eight efforts on target.
Luis Diaz came close to doubling the lead before the break but dragged his shot wide from inside the box. In first-half stoppage time, Johan Mojica's header from Daniel Munoz's cross was tipped away by Ati Zigi to keep Ghana within a goal.
The pressure continued after the restart. Ati Zigi produced another fine save to deny Gustavo Puerta before reacting quickly to keep out Diaz from close range minutes later.
Diaz did have the ball in the net shortly afterwards, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
Colombia continued to press for a second goal and nearly found it in the closing stages when Davinson Sanchez met Juan Fernando Quintero's corner with a powerful header, only for Ati Zigi to make yet another save.
Ghana struggled to trouble Colombia's defence throughout the match. Goalkeeper Camilo Vargas had a quiet evening as the Colombian backline kept the African side from registering a single shot on target.
Colombia will now face Switzerland in Vancouver on Tuesday for a place in the quarterfinals, while Ghana's World Cup campaign comes to an end after a spirited but ultimately unsuccessful display.
FIFA World Cup | FIFA World Cup Schedule | FIFA World Cup Points Table | Football News
Jhon Arias scored the only goal as Colombia extended their unbeaten FIFA World Cup campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Ghana in Kansas City on Friday, booking a Round of 16 clash against Switzerland.
Arias struck in the 14th minute, turning home from close range after Luis Suarez, who had replaced the injured Jhon Cordoba only moments earlier, delivered a dangerous cross from the right. The early goal was enough for Colombia, who controlled the game for long periods and never allowed Ghana a shot on target.
The South Americans, who failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup, have now reached the knockout stage for the third time in their last four appearances after advancing to the quarterfinals in 2014 and the Round of 16 in 2018.
Colombia created chances throughout but were repeatedly denied by Ghana goalkeeper Lawrence Ati Zigi, who kept his side in the contest with a string of impressive saves. The goalkeeper finished with seven saves as Colombia dominated the statistics, outshooting Ghana 20-8 and forcing eight efforts on target.
Luis Diaz came close to doubling the lead before the break but dragged his shot wide from inside the box. In first-half stoppage time, Johan Mojica's header from Daniel Munoz's cross was tipped away by Ati Zigi to keep Ghana within a goal.
The pressure continued after the restart. Ati Zigi produced another fine save to deny Gustavo Puerta before reacting quickly to keep out Diaz from close range minutes later.
Diaz did have the ball in the net shortly afterwards, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
Colombia continued to press for a second goal and nearly found it in the closing stages when Davinson Sanchez met Juan Fernando Quintero's corner with a powerful header, only for Ati Zigi to make yet another save.
Ghana struggled to trouble Colombia's defence throughout the match. Goalkeeper Camilo Vargas had a quiet evening as the Colombian backline kept the African side from registering a single shot on target.
Colombia will now face Switzerland in Vancouver on Tuesday for a place in the quarterfinals, while Ghana's World Cup campaign comes to an end after a spirited but ultimately unsuccessful display.
FIFA World Cup | FIFA World Cup Schedule | FIFA World Cup Points Table | Football News
