Colombia vs Ghana

Colombia completed a perfect Round of 32 day for South American football, beating Ghana 1-0 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City thanks to Jhon Arias' early strike to advance to the Round of 16. Arias buried a cross to the far post in the 14th minute to give Colombia the lead and, despite Ghana's best efforts to find an equaliser, Los Cafeteros — backed by a stadium that was an estimated 80% Colombian — controlled the match with the assurance of a side that has not lost a game at this World Cup. Luis Díaz was the creative hub throughout, causing problems with his directness and pace, while goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi was Ghana's best performer, making seven saves to keep the score respectable. Colombia dominated every meaningful statistical category — 61% possession, 2.06 expected goals to Ghana's 0.26 — in a professional if unspectacular performance that underlined why they are one of the more underrated title contenders remaining in the tournament. They next face Switzerland in Vancouver on Tuesday July 7.