Colombia edge Ghana to seal final place in World Cup last 16 | OneFootball

Colombia secured the final place in the World Cup round of 16 with a deserved 1-0 victory over Ghana in Kansas City, setting up a meeting with Switzerland in the next round.

An entertaining opening spell saw both sides suffer early injury setbacks, but Colombia adapted far better. Substitute Luis Suárez made an immediate impact, racing down the right before delivering a pinpoint cross for Jhon Arias, who arrived unmarked at the back post to volley home after just 14 minutes.

Néstor Lorenzo's side controlled much of the contest thereafter, moving the ball confidently and creating the clearer openings. Luis Díaz should have doubled the lead before the break, while Lawrence Ati Zigi produced an excellent save to deny Johan Mojica's powerful header.

Ghana improved after the interval and enjoyed more possession, but struggled to turn that into genuine chances. Colombia, meanwhile, remained dangerous on the counter, with Díaz having a goal ruled out for offside before being denied again by Ati Zigi in a one-on-one situation.

Despite only holding a single-goal advantage, Colombia rarely looked under serious pressure as Ghana failed to register a shot on target throughout the match. The South Americans comfortably saw out the closing stages to continue their impressive World Cup campaign and book their place in the last 16, where Switzerland await.