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Today let's talk about a World Cup knockout game Colombia handled with total ease: Colombia beat Ghana one to zero to march steadily into the last 16.

Don't be fooled by the mere one-nil scoreline — this was a thoroughly one-sided affair.

First, a word on Colombia.

Colombia are a formidable South American side, their players technically excellent, blazingly fast, their attack full of dash and menace.

Today, in the muggy heat, they still played to their own rhythm.

Alright, into the game.

In the fourteenth minute, Colombia got a dream start.

Suárez delivered an exquisite cross from the flank, and Arias, reading it perfectly, slipped in at the back post to finish with ease — one to zero.

Having taken an early lead, Colombia took complete control of everything on the pitch.

They passed patiently, threatening Ghana's goal again and again.

In fact, Colombia could have won this game far more comfortably.

As the first half neared its end, Díaz wasted two golden chances: one goal was ruled out for an earlier offside, and the other, a one-on-one, he couldn't convert.

Ghana, by contrast, were pinned back to the point of being unable to breathe.

An astonishing stat: over the entire ninety minutes, Ghana somehow didn't manage a single shot, their attack completely misfiring.

A stat like that is extremely rare in a World Cup knockout, and it lays bare just how dominant Colombia were today.

Possession, chances, the run of play — almost every category was one-sided.

In the end, though Colombia won by only one goal, they won beyond dispute, cleanly keeping a clean sheet.

So, how should this game be judged?

For Colombia, this is an efficient and mature win.

With one high-quality attack they seized the initiative early, then, with outstanding control, held the game firmly in hand.

The only small regret is not scoring a few more to make the scoreline prettier.

For Ghana, this defeat is somewhat helpless.

They ran into an opponent clearly a tier above and consistent in form, and could barely lay a glove on them all game.

But to have made it all the way to a World Cup knockout is still a journey Ghana can be proud of.

That's Colombia one to zero Ghana, a win belonging to control and efficiency.

See you next match.