Colombia will face Ghana in the final World Cup Round of 32 knockout match at Kansas City Stadium on Friday at 8:30 p.
m. The two teams arrive after contrasting group stage campaigns.
Nestor Lorenzo's unbeaten Colombian squad topped Group K.
Ghana advanced as one of the tournament's best third-placed teams from Group L under veteran head coach Carlos Queiroz.
The matchup features a reunion for Queiroz, who managed Colombia from 2019 to 2020. He departed after World Cup qualifying losses to Uruguay and Ecuador.
Ghana enters the knockout round as the lowest-seeded team remaining. Queiroz is appearing in his fifth consecutive World Cup and managing his ninth national team.
"I know the team quite well," Queiroz said. "I know the players in Colombia quite well.
Of course, we are very well aware of all the qualities that these players have."
"The current ones, this team reminds me of the Colombia from Copa America. That's a great team," he added.
Queiroz noted that this stage represents a special shift where everything goes to the winner.
Local Ghanaian supporters are eager to welcome the team.
Thomas Afful, Chief of the Ghanaian Community Association, said they quickly organized a gathering for the arriving squad.
"We're not too big, but we're loud," Afful said. "We're ready to come out and show our presence right here in the heart of the nation."
Dr. Cobina Lartson, board chair for the Ghanaians of KCMO and KCK, emphasized the significance of hosting the team locally.
"It will be awesome to see them up close in person," he said.
Lartson led supporters in a traditional celebratory chant. "Be happy that you are a Ghanaian, be proud that you are a Ghanaian," he sang.
Colombia plans to maintain its proactive style of play. Midfielder Richard Rios said the team intends to impose its game plan despite Ghana's physical challenges.
"Every match is very difficult. Ghana may present a different physical challenge than Portugal," Rios said.
"But if we approach every game the way we have been, it becomes much harder for our opponents."
Ghana captain Jordan Ayew expressed hope the tournament run would revitalize fans back home.
"It's important that everyone wakes up in the morning and feels that happiness," he said.
