KANSAS CITY: Jhon Arias scored the only goal as Colombia beat Ghana 1-0 in sweltering conditions in Kansas City on Friday to reach the World Cup last 16, ​continuing a quietly impressive campaign that has established them as dangerous outsiders.

Arias struck in the 14th minute, guiding home a cross from substitute ‌Luis Suarez, and Colombia’s disciplined defence did the rest as Nestor Lorenzo’s side extended their unbeaten run and booked a meeting with Switzerland in the next round.

Colombia had largely flown under the radar at the tournament, despite going undefeated against Portugal, Uzbekistan and DR Congo to top Group K.

Their breakthrough on Friday came from two players who had not been expected to combine, as ​Suarez, thrust into action after Jhon Cordoba was forced off with an apparent groin injury in the eighth minute, delivered a pinpoint cross to the ​back post where Arias had somehow drifted unmarked.

With time and space to pick his spot, Arias calmly guided the ball ⁠into the bottom corner to hand his side a deserved lead.

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