Colombia vs Ghana Predictions
Colombia looked like a serious force while topping Group K, and I expect them to eventually break down a resilient Ghanaian side.
I have my money on Colombia to win, with a second stake placed on a low-scoring victory.
Colombia Backed in Kansas City
- Colombia won 4 of their last 5 matches
- Colombia kept a clean sheet in 3 of their last 4 matches
- Ghana lost 6 of their last 9 matches
- Ghana have seen under 2.5 goals in 4 of their last 5 matches
Colombia and Ghana Set For First Encounter
Colombia and Ghana have not met previously at senior international level.
Colombia Impress in Group K
Colombia make the trip to Kansas City after securing top spot in Group K with an entertaining goalless draw against Portugal. The South Americans will feel they could have secured victory, but some poor finishing ensured a share of the spoils in Miami.
Davinson Sanchez saw a late effort ruled out for a marginal offside as the South Americans pushed for victory at Hard Rock Stadium.
Los Cafeteros created numerous opportunities but proved wasteful in front of goal. Nestor Lorenzo’s side registered 24 efforts, but generated an xG of only 1.7, with several long-range attempts proving overly optimistic.
Despite failing to secure a final-day victory, Colombia topped the section with seven points after seeing off Uzbekistan (3-1) and DR Congo (1-0) in their first two fixtures.
The South American qualifiers have been in solid form over the past year, securing nine wins while losing only two of their last internationals.
Defensively improved, Colombia conceded only one goal in their last four matches. An average of under two goals per game was scored in those fixtures.
Ghana Looking to Cause Upset
Ghana arrive in Kansas City after qualifying from Group L as one of the best third-placed teams.
Carlos Queiroz’s side finished behind England and Croatia, with their final group fixture ending in a narrow 2-1 defeat against the Croatians.
Derrick Luckassen’s late goal looked to have secured a deserved draw for the African qualifiers, but Nicola Vlasic’s 83rd-minute winner secured a hard-fought victory for the Europeans.
The Black Stars proved solid in their Group L campaign, picking up a 1-0 win against Panama and a surprise goalless draw against England.
Since the appointment of Carlos Queiroz, the Black Stars enjoyed a four-game unbeaten run before their hard-luck defeat against the Croats.
Before their uptick in performance, Ghana had endured a miserable six-game winless run, including five defeats. The Africans scored just three goals across those six matches.
Colombia vs Ghana Squads and Team News
Colombia Squad
Goalkeepers: David Ospina, Camilo Vargas, Alvaro Montero
Defenders: Daniel Munoz, Jhon Lucumi, Santiago Arias, Yerry Mina, Johan Mojica, Willer Ditta, Deiver Machado, Davinson Sanchez
Midfielders: Kevin Castano, Richard Rios, Jorge Carrascal, James Rodriguez, Jhon Arias, Gustavo Puerta, Juan Portilla, Jefferson Lerma, Juan Fernando Quintero, Jaminton Campaz
Forwards: Luis Diaz, Jhon Cordoba, Cucho Hernandez, Luis Suarez, Andres Gomez
Nestor Lorenzo has a full squad available for Saturday morning’s World Cup knockout clash.
Luis Diaz, Jhon Arias and James Rodriguez are expected to start for the unbeaten Colombians.
Cucho Hernandez is pushing for a recall after Luis Suarez's failure to score during the group phase.
Ghana Squad
Goalkeepers: Lawrence Ati-Zigi, Joseph Anang, Benjamin Asare
Defenders: Alidu Seidu, Jonas Adjetey, Abdul Mumin, Gideon Mensah, Abdul Rahman Baba, Jerome Opoku, Kojo Peprah Oppong, Derrick Luckassen, Marvin Senaya
Midfielders: Caleb Yirenkyi, Thomas Partey, Abdul Fatawu, Kwasi Sibo, Antoine Semenyo, Elisha Owusu, Augustine Boakye, Kamaldeen Sulemana
Forwards: Jordan Ayew, Brandon Thomas-Asante, Christopher Bonsu Baah, Inaki Williams, Ernest Nuamah, Prince Kwabena Adu
Ghana head coach Queiroz has just one reported injury issue. Jerome Opoku faces a late fitness test to determine his availability for the Black Stars.