Colombia reached the FIFA World Cup last 16 after a 1-0 victory over Ghana on Friday, securing the final place in the knockout stage.
Colombia controlled the match at Arrowhead Stadium and registered eight shots on target. Despite their dominance, they settled for an early goal from John Arias.
Colombia will face Switzerland on Tuesday in Vancouver in the round of 16 as they seek a place in the quarter-finals.
Ghana almost took the lead in the opening minute when Thomas Partey's effort passed narrowly wide of the post, but the chance did not reflect the balance of play.
Colombia were forced into an early substitution after Jhon Córdoba suffered what appeared to be a thigh injury. Luis Suárez replaced him.
Ghana also made an enforced change minutes later, with Alidu Seidu replacing the injured Marvin Senaya.
The only goal of the match came in the 14th minute. Substitute Luis Suárez held possession on the right before delivering a cross that John Arias converted with a composed finish.
Backed by strong support in Kansas City, Colombia continued to dominate and created several chances in search of a second goal.
Luis Díaz missed a clear opportunity in the 39th minute before Ghana goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi produced an excellent save to deny Johan Mojica's header in first-half stoppage time.
First-half statistics reflected Colombia's superiority. Ghana failed to register a shot on target and completed fewer than half as many passes as their opponents.
Colombia created further chances after the interval. A goal from Luis Díaz was ruled out for offside before he struck another effort straight at the goalkeeper.
In the closing stages, Juan Quintero fired narrowly wide, but Arias' first-half goal proved enough to secure victory over a Ghana side that failed to record a single shot on target throughout the match.
Luis Díaz was named Player of the Match. He said Colombia were improving with every game but needed greater precision in front of goal, adding that he continued to feel his performances were improving.







