Colombia established early control in their World Cup last-32 encounter against Ghana, breaking through the visitors' defensive resistance when Jhon Arias finished from close range in the opening quarter-hour. The goal came after Colombia's right-side play created space, with substitute Luis Suárez delivering a dangerous cross that Arias capitalised on after Ghana's marking lapsed.

The match was disrupted by multiple physical incidents and injuries, including a hamstring problem for Ghana defender Marvin Senaya and a shoulder issue for Colombia's Córdoba, both occurring during contested challenges. Referee decisions drew scrutiny as several fouls went uncalled whilst others resulted in cards, and hydration breaks interrupted the rhythm of play—a feature of the tournament designed to manage conditions in what commentators suggested was an at-times scrappy contest.