Colombia defeat Ghana to reach World Cup last 16

Wasteful Colombia saw off toothless Ghana 1-0 on Friday to become the final team to qualify for the World Cup last 16.

The South Americans dominated the game at Arrowhead Stadium and had eight shots on target but ended up with just Jhon Arias’s early goal to show for their superiority.

Now they can look forward to a meeting with Switzerland in Vancouver on Tuesday and a chance to reach the quarter-finals.

Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey fizzed a shot just wide in the opening minute but that proved a false dawn for the African nation.

Colombia were forced into an early change when Jhon Cordoba pulled up with an apparent groin injury and was replaced by Luis Suarez.

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Minutes later, Ghana were forced into a change of their own when Alidu Seidu came on for the stricken Marvin Senaya.

Colombia went ahead in the 14th minute after substitute Suarez showed persistence on the right flank and crossed for an unmarked Arias to steer home.

That gave Carlos Queiroz’s goal-shy Black Stars, who scored just twice in the group phase, a major headache.