Colombia secured the ultimate place within the FIFA World Cup final 16 with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Ghana at Arrowhead Stadium.
Softfootball understands that Jhon Arias’ first-half strike proved decisive as Los Cafeteros arrange a gathering with Switzerland in Vancouver. Switzerland reached the World Cup final 16 for the primary time in 88 years after a composed 2-0 victory over Algeria in Vancouver.
Ghana threatened early when Thomas Partey fired narrowly large, however Colombia rapidly took management regardless of shedding Jhon Córdoba to harm. Substitute Luis Suárez made a direct affect, delivering a cross for the unmarked Arias to complete within the 14th minute.
Colombia dominated possession and created a number of possibilities to increase their lead. Luis Díaz squandered a transparent alternative earlier than halftime, whereas Ghana goalkeeper Lawrence Ati Zigi produced a collection of spectacular saves to maintain his facet within the contest.
The Black Stars struggled to bother Colombia’s defence, failing to register a single shot heading in the right direction all through the match. Díaz had a second-half objective dominated out for offside, whereas Juan Quintero additionally went shut as Colombia continued to press.
Regardless of their wastefulness in entrance of objective, Arias’ early end proved sufficient to ship Colombia into the knockout stage, the place they may face Switzerland. Ghana exit the event after one other disappointing attacking show.
Participant Rankings
Colombia
| Participant | Score |
|---|---|
| Vargas | 7.1 |
| Muñoz | 7.5 |
| Sánchez | 7.6 |
| Lucumí | 7.5 |
| Mojica | 7.3 |
| Puerta | 7.2 |
| Lerma | 6.7 |
| Arias | 8.6 |
| Rodríguez | 6.2 |
| Luis Díaz | 6.6 |
| Córdoba | N/A |
| Subs: | |
| Suárez | 7.4 |
| Ríos | 7.1 |
| Quintero | 6.7 |
| Campaz | N/A |
Ghana
| Participant | Score |
|---|---|
| Ati-Zigi | 8.2 |
| Senaya | 6.2 |
| Luckassen | 6.8 |
| Opoku | 6.5 |
| Mensah | 7.4 |
| Partey | 6.4 |
| Yirenkyi | 6.1 |
| Sibo | 5.8 |
| Williams | 6.1 |
| Ayew | 6.0 |
| Semenyo | 6.3 |
| Subs: | |
| Seidu | 6.3 |
| Owusu | 6.0 |
| Fatawu | 6.0 |
| Nuamah | 6.2 |
| Adu | 5.5 |
Match Statistics
| Statistic | Colombia | Ghana |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | 60.6% | 39.4% |
| Photographs | 20 | 8 |
| Photographs on Goal | 8 | 0 |
| Massive Possibilities Missed | 4 | 0 |
| Corners | 3 | 2 |
| Correct Passes | 532 | 313 |
| Passing Accuracy | 90.8% | 83% |
| Yellow Playing cards | 2 | 3 |
| Crimson Playing cards | 0 | 0 |
