WC26: Colombia Edges Ghana 1-0 To Secure Final Spot In Last 16

Jhon Arias scored in the 14th minute Friday as Colombia defeated Ghana 1-0 in Kansas City, claiming the final berth in the World Cup round of 16, per ESPN. Colombia dominated throughout, finishing with a 2.04 to 0.27 edge in xG (expected goals) . Substitute Luis Suarez entered early after Jhon Cordoba was forced off by injury and immediately influenced the match, delivering the cross that Arias swept in unmarked at the far post. Ghana also lost a player to injury, bringing on Alidu Seidu at right back. Luis Diaz was Colombia's most dangerous attacker, drawing a strong save from Ghana goalkeeper Lawrence Ati Zigi and later seeing a far-post finish correctly disallowed for offside. Diaz also missed when unmarked inside the box before halftime. Ghana generated limited pressure throughout. Antoine Semenyo grew into the contest in the second half but the Ghanaians failed to register a single shot on target against goalkeeper Camilo Vargas. Colombia advance to face Switzerland in Vancouver in the round of 16.