Colombia edge Ghana as Arias goal sets up Switzerland tie

Colombia are through to the World Cup last 16 after a 1-0 win over Ghana, with Jhon Arias scoring the only goal in Kansas City. The result sends Nestor Lorenzo's side into a meeting with Switzerland in Vancouver on July 7.

The match was shaped early by two injury substitutions, as Jhon Cordoba went off for Colombia and Marvin Senaya was withdrawn for Ghana before the 15-minute mark. Cordoba's replacement, Luis Suarez, quickly made an impact by supplying the cross that Arias converted.

Colombia had chances to make the scoreline more comfortable. Luis Diaz later had an effort ruled out for offside, while Ghana goalkeeper Lawrence Ati Zigi produced an important stop from Johan Mojica before half-time.

The narrow margin may still leave Colombia with questions before facing Switzerland. Sky Sports' analysis credited them with 2.19 xG, and Juan Fernando Quintero's late influence — including five chances created after coming on — could strengthen his case for a bigger role in the next round.