Colombia Advances in World Cup
Jhon Arias Goal Sends Colombia Past Ghana into World Cup Last 16
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Colombia eliminated Ghana from the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a 1-0 victory at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, with Jhon Arias scoring the decisive goal. The Guardian reported the win sends Colombia into the Round of 16, where they will face Switzerland in Vancouver.
The result ended Ghana's World Cup campaign in the Round of 32, their first knockout-stage exit since 2010. Colombia, despite a slow and uninspiring performance, ground out the result their coach Carlos Queiroz needed, according to Boston Globe.
Jhon Arias Breaks the Deadlock Early
Arias struck just minutes into the match to give Colombia the lead, according to Boston Globe. It was a crucial moment in an otherwise tight and cautious game. Colombia held the lead for the full 90 minutes, relying on a solid defensive shape to keep Ghana at bay.
Colombia's attack struggled to create chances beyond that early breakthrough. The Guardian noted a lack of creativity from Los Cafeteros throughout the match. But the single goal proved enough to book their place in the last 16.
Injuries and Controversy Cloud Colombia's Win
The match was not without drama off the ball. Colombia striker Jhon Córdoba suffered a suspected hamstring injury during the game, raising concerns about his availability for the Round of 16, according to OC Register.
There was also an incident involving Luis Díaz that led to Ghana's Marvin Senaya being substituted off, according to Press Enterprise. Details remain unclear, but the moment added tension to an already intense encounter at Arrowhead Stadium.
Ghana's Painful History Against South American Sides
The loss continues a brutal record for Ghana against South American teams at the World Cup. They lost to Brazil in 2006 and fell to Uruguay twice — once in the 2010 group stage and once in a quarter-final that still haunts African football, according to The Guardian.
In 2010, Ghana came agonizingly close to becoming the first African nation to reach a World Cup semi-final. Uruguay's Luis Suárez blocked a goal-bound shot with his hand on the line. Ghana missed the resulting penalty. They have not advanced past the Round of 32 since that heartbreak.
Colombia Set for Round of 16 Clash With Switzerland
Colombia now travel to Vancouver to face Switzerland in the Round of 16. Queiroz will need a sharper attacking display than the one shown against Ghana. The Córdoba injury could force him to reshuffle his forward line for that match.
Switzerland is a disciplined, well-organized side and Colombia will need more than one early goal to advance. But reaching the last 16 of a 48-team World Cup is a significant milestone, and Queiroz's team remains in the hunt, according to SB Sun.
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