Jhon Arias goal gives Colombia 1-0 victory over Ghana

Colombia booked the last place in the World Cup’s last 16 as they beat Ghana 1-0 in Kansas City.

Jhon Arias grabbed the only goal after 14 minutes as they earned a meeting with Switzerland in Vancouver.

Both sides were forced into early changes by injury, Luis Suarez coming on for Jhon Cordoba and making an instant impact – his cross being swept in by the unmarked Arias at the far post.

Alidu Seidu had a tougher time after coming on at right-back for Ghana, facing the dangerous Luis Diaz as Colombia looked the more threatening team.

Ghana found some rhythm as Antoine Semenyo got more involved, but Colombia twice came close to extending their lead before the break – Diaz firing wide when unmarked in the box before Lawrence Ati Zigi produced an excellent save to turn away Johan Mojica’s header.

Semenyo was left frustrated as he fired a ball across goal early in the half with nobody making a run.

Colombia thought they had doubled their lead as they created a chance for Diaz to turn in at the far post, only for the offside flag to cut short celebrations, Ati Zigi denying the former Liverpool forward moments later after another sweeping move.

Ghana did find some attacking presence in the second half, but failed to force a save from Colombia goalkeeper Camilo Vargas.

Diaz refused to get too excited, the Bayern Munich player saying: “We have won absolutely nothing.

“The good thing and the positive thing is that we’re playing very well, we feel comfortable, we are being a family, we are working as a team and that will work for what is coming.”

Ghana defender Jerome Opoku admitted that “sometimes… it doesn’t go your way”.

“It’s always great to get out of your group. Obviously we wanted to go further,” he said