Colombia vs Ghana Highlights & Full Match Replay

Jhon Arias struck in the 14th minute as Colombia cruised past Ghana 1-0 in Kansas City to book their place in the World Cup Round of 16.

In the first-ever senior men’s meeting between the two nations, Colombia dominated from start to finish, registering 20 shots while Ghana failed to muster a single effort on target across the 90 minutes.

The game was barely seven minutes old when Colombia suffered an early setback as Jhon Córdoba pulled up with a groin injury and was replaced by Luis Suárez.

Ghana were also forced into an early change, with Alidu Seidu coming on for the injured Marvin Senaya.

Suárez made an immediate impact from the bench. The substitute teed up Arias in the 14th minute, and the winger made no mistake to give Colombia a deserved lead in front of a raucous, yellow-clad crowd.

Colombia could have been further ahead by half-time but Ghana goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi produced a brilliant save to deny a Johan Mojica header just before the break.

Néstor Lorenzo’s side continued to press after the interval. Luis Díaz thought he had doubled the advantage in the 56th minute, but his effort was ruled out for offside.

Ati-Zigi made several further stops to keep the scoreline respectable, but Ghana offered nothing going forward and never looked capable of finding an equaliser.

Despite the narrow margin of victory, Colombia were never troubled. They played with the assurance of a side in complete control, content to manage the game without needing to find another gear.

Zlatan Ibrahimović, working as an analyst for Fox Soccer, was effusive in his praise. “They were in full control of the whole game. Ghana was never threatening Colombia in one or another way, ” he said.

Ibrahimović added: “I’m telling you Colombia is a big threat for this World Cup. Whoever faces them, they’re gonna be careful because they’re playing full of confidence.”

The atmosphere inside GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium resembled a home fixture for Colombia, with their passionate travelling support turning the venue into a sea of yellow throughout.

Colombia advance to the Round of 16 as the final team to qualify and will face Switzerland in Vancouver on Tuesday. Ghana’s World Cup campaign ends at the first knockout hurdle.