Jhon Arias scored the only goal as Colombia beat Ghana 1-0 in a comfortable atmosphere in Kansas City on Friday to reach the last 16 of the World Cup, continuing a quiet campaign that has seen them become dangerous outsiders.
Arias scored in the 14th minute, tapping in Luis Suarez’s cross, and Colombia’s defense did another job as Nestor Lorenzo’s side continued their unbeaten run and booked a place in the next round against Switzerland.
Colombia were largely under the radar at the tournament, despite going unbeaten against Portugal, Uzbekistan and DR Congo to top Group K.
Their success on Friday came from two unlikely pairings, as Suarez, coming on after Jhon Cordoba was forced off with a groin injury in the eighth minute, sent a cross straight into the net where Arias had wobbled unmarked.
With time and space to take over, Arias calmly guided the ball into the bottom corner to give his team a deserved goal.
