Colombia progressed to the World Cup last 16 with another convincing display as Jhon Arias’ first-half winner eliminated Ghana side in sweltering Kansas City.
Ghana ended the night without a shot on target and registered just four in total across their four games – only Iraq had fewer at this World Cup. Indeed, Colombia had twice as many shots on target in the game as Ghana managed in the entire tournament.
Thomas Partey came closest for the Black Stars as he fizzed a long-range shot inches past the post inside 60 seconds.
In a chaotic opening 10 minutes, Colombia forward Jhon Cordoba was forced off with a groin strain, with Luis Suarez coming on, while Ghana lost right-back Marvin Senaya to a hamstring injury, with Alidu Seidu replacing him.
It was Suarez who burst down the right and crossed for the unmarked Arias to guide home a far-post volley after 14 minutes, with Seidu failing to track the midfielder’s run.
Ghana eventually came out of their shell and Manchester City forward Antoine Semenyo saw a shot deflected over the bar – as his tournament ended without a single effort on target.
