Ghana may have sensed trouble when Luis Suarez entered the field in the seventh minute. Marking the day after the anniversary of a notorious 2010 World Cup moment, the forward named after the player whose handball dashed Black Stars hopes provided the key pass for Jhon Arias decisive strike.

Colombia earned a deserved victory despite not adding to their lead and now prepare to face Switzerland in Vancouver on Tuesday. They appear well positioned to surpass their 2014 quarter-final exit against Brazil.

Their coach Nestor Lorenzo, who featured in Argentina 1990 final loss, highlighted the challenges ahead. It is a demanding competition with varying conditions and extensive travel that creates tough conditions for all teams.

Arias, following a brief unsuccessful spell at Wolves before joining Palmeiras, expressed optimism about their prospects. We possess the qualities to aspire to the final and the initial requirement is to envision that outcome as achievable.

This marked Ghana first knockout appearance since the 2010 Johannesburg encounter where Suarez and Uruguay blocked their path to the semi-finals. The squad has exceeded expectations under Carlos Queiroz but showed limited invention without Mohammed Kudus and failed to register any shots on target.

Queiroz, who has coached at five World Cups including time as Alex Ferguson assistant, indicated his focus would shift to recovery and planning after the match.

With Colombian fans dominating the stands Lorenzo urged his players forward. Thomas Partey nearly scored early for Ghana but a hamstring issue for Jhon Cordoba prompted an early Suarez introduction. Marvin Senaya also departed following a clash with Luis Diaz that prompted a penalty appeal.

The substitution disrupted Ghana structure that had held firm against England. Queiroz noted the loss of discipline after Senaya exit. Suarez then exploited space on the right to deliver a cross for the unmarked Arias after Caleb Yirenkyi lost his mark.

Ghana have never beaten a South American side at the World Cup and trailed after the opener. They faced jeers when holding possession and Alidu Seidu gave the ball away leading to a Diaz chance. Lawrence Ati-Zigi produced a fine save to deny Johan Mojica before James Rodriguez was substituted at half-time.