Colombia Edge Ghana to Reach World Cup Round of 16

Colombia secured their place in the Round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Ghana in the Round of 32. The win sends the South American side into the knockout stage for the fourth time in World Cup history as they continue their bid to match their memorable quarter-final run at the 2014 tournament.
Colombia will now face Switzerland in the Round of 16. The team also reached the knockout stage at the 2018 World Cup but were eliminated in the last 16 before failing to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Playing in Kansas City, Colombia dominated from the opening whistle. They enjoyed 61 percent possession and registered eight shots at goal. Although Puerta, Luis Díaz and their teammates created four clear-cut chances, they were unable to convert them.
Ghana goalkeeper Lawrence Ati Zigi produced a series of outstanding saves to keep his side in the contest, including an excellent stop to deny Johan Mojica from close range. However, John Arias' strike in the 14th minute proved to be the decisive goal, sealing Colombia's victory.
Luis Díaz also found the back of the net later in the match, but the effort was ruled out for a marginal offside, leaving Colombia to settle for a narrow one-goal win.
Ghana, meanwhile, failed to register a single shot on target throughout the match. Lacking any real attacking threat, the African side bowed out of the World Cup with the defeat.

MMR