FIFA WORLD CUP
2026 FIFA WORLD CUP: Arias Strike Gives Colombia First-Half Edge as Injuries Disrupt Round of 32 Clash
📅 July 4, 2026
•
👤 King
•
📁 FIFA WORLD CUP
•
🕑 2 min read
Colombia take a deserved 1-0 lead into the halftime break against Ghana after a dominant opening 45 minutes in their FIFA World Cup Round of 32 encounter
The South Americans controlled proceedings from the start, enjoying 68 percent possession while limiting Ghana to just 32 percent as they dictated the tempo and created the better opportunities
The first half was interrupted by injuries to both sides, forcing early tactical changes. Colombia were the first to make a substitution in the eighth minute when Jhon Córdoba was forced off and replaced by Luis Suárez. Ghana then suffered a setback five minutes later as Senaya was unable to continue, with Alidu Seidu coming on in the 13th minute
Just a minute later, Colombia made their dominance count. In the 14th minute, John Arias found the breakthrough with a well-taken finish to put Los Cafeteros ahead after sustained pressure
Ghana struggled to establish any attacking rhythm for much of the first half, spending long periods chasing the ball as Colombia maintained control in midfield. Carlos Queiroz’s side will need a much-improved second-half display if they are to overturn the deficit and keep their World Cup hopes alive
