Colombia
Colombia have appeared to rediscover the extremely impressive form that they found under Nestor Lorenzo between late 2022 and the summer of 2024, whereby they reached the final of the 2024 CONMEBOL Copa America before a couple of years of indifference.
The Colombians, playing an exciting style of football, began their group stages by defeating both Uzbekistan and then Congo DR before being much the better of the two sides in a goalless draw with Portugal in Miami, as they finished above the Europeans and won Group K.
Injuries & Team News
Colombia have not reported any injury concerns ahead of this match, so the South Americans are expected to have a full squad available for selection.
As a result, there are unlikely to be any surprises when it comes to their starting side, with Luis Diaz, Luis Suarez and James Rodriguez set to feature as the front three.
Suarez only featured off the bench against Portugal last time out, having been a slight injury doubt ahead of the clash, but the Sporting Lisbon striker is fit to start here.
Form
| Last Match | Last 6 Matches |
|---|---|
| 0-0 vs Portugal | L W W W W D |
Predicted Line-Up
Colombia possible starting lineup:
Vargas; Munoz, Lucumi, Sanchez, Mojica; Puerta, Lerma, Arias; Rodriguez, Suarez, Diaz
Ghana
The appointment of former Real Madrid boss Carlos Queiroz, appearing at his fifth successive FIFA World Cup as a manager, after the March international break was always going to lead to the Ghanaians becoming very awkward and difficult to play against – and that was the case as they finished third in a tough Group L alongside England, Croatia and Panama.
The Black Stars edged past Panama by a goal to nil with a late Caleb Yirenkyi winner in Toronto delivering them a priceless three points. That was followed by a goalless draw with one of the pre-tournament favourites England in Boston before a hard-fought 2-1 loss, back in Toronto, against Croatia.
Injuries & Team News
As for Ghana, their main concern surrounds Antoine Semenyo, with the Manchester City attacker struggling due to an ankle issue, but the expectation is that the 26-year-old will be able to feature from the first whistle on Friday.
Lawrence Ati Zigi also remains a fitness doubt for Ghana, so Benjamin Asare is likely to continue between the sticks for the African outfit.
Jordan Ayew has found the back of the net on 34 occasions for his national side, and the experienced attacker is again set to lead the line in this knockout fixture.
Form
| Last Match | Last 6 Matches |
|---|---|
| 1-2 vs Croatia | L L D W D L |
Predicted Line-Up
Ghana possible starting lineup:
Asare; Senaya, Adjetey, Luckassen, Mensah; Sulemana, Partey, Owusu, Sibo, Semenyo; Ayew
Betting Odds
| Team | Odds | Bookmaker |
|---|---|---|
| Colombia Win | 1/2 – (1.50) | Grand Ivy |
| Draw | 3/1 – (4.00) | Dream Vegas |
| Ghana Win | 8/1 – (9.00) | 247Bet |
Prediction
Colombia 2-0 Ghana
Colombia are the team i have enjoyed watching the most in this world cup so far, they are fearless with the ball and try and attack at any opportunity. That might be too much for a limited Ghana side who despite holding England to a 0-0 draw have shown very little to suggest they can beat the South Americans