Jhon Arias says Colombia are “dreaming and believing” in their chances of reaching the World Cup final, after his goal helped them past Ghana on Saturday.
Arias’ 14th-minute goal, teed up by early substitute Luis Suarez, was enough to see Nestor Lorenzo’s side to a 1-0 victory in their round-of-32 clash in Kansas.
Victory over Ghana marked only Colombia’s second win in the World Cup knockout stages, having swept aside Uruguay in the last-16 stage 12 years ago, to set up their next meeting with Switzerland.
Either Argentina or Egypt would await in the quarter-finals, and Arias – who disappointed at Wolves before being sold to Palmeiras this season – is confident of making Colombian history.
“We have what it takes to dream, to believe, to reach the final,” he said. “The first step is dreaming and believing it is possible.”
Colombia will be hopeful of at least matching their best World Cup run when they were beaten by hosts Brazil in the last eight in 2014.
They have kept three clean sheets for the first time in their World Cup history, having held Portugal to a goalless draw to top Group K ahead of Roberto Martinez’s side, as well as beating DR Congo 1-0.
Lorenzo could face his home nation, Argentina, if Colombia get past Switzerland on Tuesday in Vancouver.
“It means a lot,” said Lorenzo, who was part of the Argentina side that lost in the 1990 final.
“It’s a very tough tournament with different temperatures and lots of travelling – really difficult logistics for everyone.”
Ghana failed to test Camilo Vargas once in a timid performance, while only Iraq (two) had fewer shots on target than their four in this year’s finals.
Questions may be asked about Carlos Queiroz’s defensive approach, though some may suggest Ghana have overachieved in reaching their first World Cup knockout match since losing in the 2010 last eight.
“The quality of our passes was not what we expected. We made a lot of mistakes and conceded counter-attacks,” Queiroz said.
“They scored in the one moment that the team was not organised.”
Queiroz was only appointed in April on a short-term deal, with attention now turning to his future after guiding Ghana through the group stages.
“What’s next for me is to have a glass of water and relax, refresh for the next morning and start to make other decisions,” the former Manchester United assistant, coaching at his fifth World Cup, concluded.
