Queiroz's clash with Colombia

Colombia face Ghana in the last 16 on Saturday morning, with Carlos Queiroz set for a different kind of reunion against the country he once coached.

Queiroz led Colombia from 2019 to 2020 before leaving after heavy defeats to Uruguay and Ecuador in World Cup qualifying. He has since guided Ghana into the knockout stage as one of the best third-placed teams.

Ghana waited until the end of the group phase to be sure that four points from Group L would be enough to progress. Colombia, by contrast, came through Group K unbeaten and sealed first place with a goalless draw against Portugal.

Nestor Lorenzo’s side have mixed a solid defence with attacking intent and emerged as one of the competition’s most polished teams. Midfielder Richard Rios said Colombia did not plan to change their style, insisting they would keep playing on the front foot.

Queiroz, taking charge at a World Cup for the sixth time, will hope to match Ghana’s 2010 run to the quarter-finals. Ghana captain Jordan Ayew said the squad had regained a sense of happiness and togetherness that had been missing for some time.