Colombia managed to see off a toothless Ghana 1-0 to become the final team to qualify for the World Cup last 16

Colombia managed to see off a toothless Ghana 1-0 here on Friday to become the final team to qualify for the World Cup last 16. The South Americans were on the front foot for most parts at the Kansas City Stadium and had eight shots on target but ended up with only Jhon Arias’ (14th minute) early goal to show for their superiority. Now they can look forward to a meeting with Switzerland in Vancouver on Tuesday. Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey fizzed a shot just wide in the opening minute but that proved a false dawn for the African side. Colombia was forced into an early change when Jhon Cordoba pulled up with an apparent groin injury and was replaced by Luis Suarez. Minutes later, Ghana had to make an alteration of its own as Alidu Seidu came on for the stricken Marvin Senaya. Colombia went ahead after Suarez showed persistence on the right flank and crossed the ball for an unmarked Arias to steer home. That gave Carlos Queiroz’s goal-shy Black Stars, who scored just twice in the group phase, a major headache. Luis Diaz had a wonderful chance to double Colombia’s 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. Colombia made hard work of the second period, squandering a number of opportunities to finish off its opponent. But it did enough in the end. “We are just missing that little detail of finishing a bit better and staying composed. I think that we played a very solid game,” Diaz said. Diaz, who was adjudged the Player-of-the-Match, added: “I am trying to improve game by game. I felt much better than I did in the previous one”. Colombia’s victory means they will now face Switzerland in the pre-quarters, while Ghana will head home after a disappointing campaign. The African side had high hopes coming into the tournament, but they failed to live up to expectations. Colombia, on the other hand, will be looking to build on their momentum and make a deep run in the tournament. With their solid defense and potent attack, they have the potential to go all the way. But for now, they will focus on their next match against Switzerland and take it one game at a time. Colombia’s coach, Carlos Queiroz, will be pleased with his team’s performance, but he will also be aware of the challenges that lie ahead. The team will need to be at their best if they want to make it to the quarterfinals. Colombia’s fans will be hoping that their team can continue their winning streak and make it to the next round. With their passion and dedication, they can make a big difference in the team’s performance. The match between Colombia and Ghana was an exciting one, with both teams giving it their all. In the end, Colombia’s superior skill and strategy paid off, and they emerged victorious. The team will now look forward to their next match against Switzerland, and they will be ready to give it their all. Colombia’s victory is a testament to their hard work and dedication, and they will be looking to build on this momentum in the coming matches. The team has shown that they have the potential to go all the way, and they will be looking to make the most of this opportunity. With their solid defense and potent attack, they have the potential to make a deep run in the tournament. Colombia’s fans will be hoping that their team can continue their winning streak and make it to the next round. The team will need to be at their best if they want to make it to the quarterfinals. But for now, they will focus on their next match against Switzerland and take it one game at a time.