Colombia secured a 1-0 victory over Ghana on Friday at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, becoming the final team to qualify for the World Cup last 16. The South Americans dominated the match, recording eight shots on target, but could only manage an early goal from Jhon Arias.
Early Chances and Injuries
Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey fired a shot just wide in the opening minute, but that proved to be a false dawn for the African nation. Colombia were forced into an early change when Jhon Cordoba pulled up with an apparent groin injury and was replaced by Luis Suarez. Minutes later, Ghana also made a substitution as Alidu Seidu came on for the injured Marvin Senaya.
Arias Scores the Winner
Colombia took the lead in the 14th minute. Substitute Suarez showed persistence on the right flank and crossed for an unmarked Arias, who steered the ball home. That goal gave Carlos Queiroz's goal-shy Black Stars, who scored only twice in the group phase, a major headache.
Colombia, roared on by a partisan crowd, continued to dominate, playing fluid and inventive football as they searched for a second goal. Bayern Munich forward Luis Diaz had a wonderful chance to double the lead in the 39th minute but scuffed his shot wide. Early in first-half stoppage time, Ghana goalkeeper Lawrence Ati Zigi produced a superb save from Johan Mojica's downward header.
Half-Time Statistics
The half-time numbers made grim reading for Ghana: not a single shot on target and less than half of Colombia's 319 completed passes. Despite this, they remained in the game.
Colombia made hard work of the second period, squandering several opportunities to finish off their opponents. Diaz put the ball in the net but was flagged offside before striking another shot straight at Zigi. As time ticked down, Juan Quintero flashed a powerful shot wide, but one goal proved enough against a side that failed to muster a single shot on target.
Diaz Reflects on Performance
Diaz, named man of the match, said Colombia were improving game by game, though he admitted they needed to be sharper in front of goal. "We're just missing that little detail of finishing a bit better and staying composed," he said. "I think we played a very solid game." The winger, who scored 15 goals in the Bundesliga for Bayern last season, also admitted he lacked composure in front of goal. "I had chances to convert," he said. "That confidence I want to have isn't quite at 100 percent yet. I'm trying to improve game by game. I felt much better in today's match than in the previous one, without a doubt."
Next Match
Colombia will now face Switzerland in Vancouver on Tuesday, with a chance to reach the quarter-finals.
