Narrow 1-0 Win Over Ghana Enough For Colombia To Reach Last 16

KANSAS CITY (Missouri), July 4 (NNN-dpa) -- A narrow but drama-free 1-0 win over Ghana on Friday was enough for Colombia to book the last spot in the World Cup last 16, reported German Press Agency (dpa).

The Colombians will now face Switzerland, who defeated Algeria 2-0 on Thursday, for a chance to reach the quarter-finals and equal their best-ever result at a World Cup.

Jhon Arias scored the precious winner in the 14th minute, which was his first goal at the tournament.

Substitute Luis Suarez dazzled down the right and played a cross for Arias, who was unmarked as he found the back of the net.

Suarez was brought on in the eighth minute to replace Jhon Cordoba, who couldn't continue playing after he seemed to have suffered a going injury.

Ghana goalkeeper Lawrence Ati Zigi made a super save to deny Johan Mojica a second for Colombia before the break, while Luis Diaz was on target in the 56th but had his effort ruled out for offside.

Diaz was denied by Zigi from close range two minutes later, while the keeper also stopped Davinson Sanchez in the 81st.

His hard work, however, wasn't enough to rescue Ghana, who couldn't find an equaliser to keep their hopes alive.

--NNN-dpa