Colombia outlasts Ghana 1-0 in physical battle on day 6 of the World Cup Round of 32

In the final match of the Round of 32, Colombia and Ghana met. Both nations have a tendency to be labeled dark horses and, in this match against each other, showed why. 

Colombia is a gritty side that loves to get under its opposition's skin by passing around them and being strong in their duels. They did this against Ghana and produced the quality moment needed to win.

Ghana's game plan is to always battle with physicality to force turnovers, then hit their opponents on the fast break with a numerical advantage. Unfortunately for them, only Antoine Semenyo was up for that task. He alone couldn't will his nation to find a goal.

General view inside the stadium before the match

Claudia Greco

World Cup Round of 32 - Colombia vs Ghana

Colombia came out in their 4-3-3 formation; head coach Néstor Lorenzo made it clear what his team was to do within it.  Possess the ball as much as possible, and when they don't have the ball, stay compact and sound defensively. This is exactly what they did, which frustrated Ghana.

Ghana's head coach, Carlos Queiroz, is no stranger to the world stage, having coached in five World Cups. His team's 4-1-2-3 is all about defensive shape and pouncing at the right moments in attack to score goals. This game plan was not the right one against a Colombia side that didn't give up much possession.

Ghana's Antoine Semenyo shoots at goal

KYLIE GRAHAM

The physicality was on another level in this match. Both teams made a sub within the first 15 minutes; that has never happened in a World Cup. Colombia's first sub, Luis Suárez, was on the field for just six minutes before he made a crucial impact.

An initial cross was blocked, but Suárez collected and tried again; this time it made it into the box, but he missed an onrushing Luis Díaz, surprising everyone and the Ghana goalkeeper who had moved into position to make the save. The ball rolled to Jhon Arias at the back post, who easily cushioned the ball into a gaping net. It was 1-0 Colombia in the 14th minute. 

Ghana tried to get back into the swing of things on the few occasions they had the ball, but they created eight shots, none of which were on target. They went into halftime frustrated, and would need a real moment of brilliance to get past Colombia's defense.

Colombia's Jhon Arias scores their first goal

SHIPIWE SIBEKO

To their credit, Ghana did try to knock Colombia off their game. The African side did take more possession from the South Americans, but the quality in attack was not there. Antoine Semenyo was the lone bright spot for Ghana, but his teammates did not match his quality, producing only two shots, neither of which was on target.

Colombia knew the danger Ghana posed in those transitional moments and tried to suffocate them with their passing and chance creation. Colombia created 15 shots, five of which were on goal. The scoreline could have gotten ugly if not for Ghana keeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi making seven saves.

The game got to the later stages, and Ghana ran out of gas. They failed to create any real attacking chances, much to Semenyo's frustration. The match would end 1-0 for Colombia, who withstood the physical nature of this knockout game.

Colombia's Jhon Arias celebrates scoring their first goal

JAY BIGGERSTAFF

Colombia moves on to the Round of 16 to take on Switzerland on Tuesday, July 7th. This will be another matchup between true darkhorse teams. Can Los Cafeteros keep their great defensive record, only allowing one goal all tournament, and move on to a quarterfinal? 

Day 1 of the Round of 16

We are now into the nitty-gritty of the 2026 World Cup as the first day of the Round of 16 kicks off today. Eight matches to determine who will make the last eight of the tournament start today. Canada and Morocco face off in Houston, and Paraguay and France play in Philadelphia, the birthplace of the USA, on its 250th birthday.  These matches should be electric; tune in during your holiday celebrations.