Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz believes Colombia's impressive form at the 2026 FIFA World Cup will count for little when they face Ghana in Friday's Round of 32 clash, insisting his side will present a completely different challenge.
Colombia topped Group K with seven points, finishing ahead of Portugal, and have emerged as one of the tournament's most organised teams under Néstor Lorenzo.
Queiroz acknowledged the progress the South Americans have made since his spell in charge of the national team between 2019 and 2020.
"It is a team that today is very well organised, with a lot of discipline, with very good players in all their positions," Queiroz said.
"They have made changes since Juan Cuadrado's time until now. Changes that have brought another dimension to the team. And the team is playing very well."
The Portuguese revealed he had closely analysed Colombia's performances, including their group-stage meeting with Portugal.
"I have made a very careful observation of the Colombian team against Portugal. And they have been very good. That's what I can say."
Despite Colombia's strong tournament so far, Queiroz is confident Ghana can cause problems with their own style of play.
"But tomorrow is another story. Tomorrow it is not Portugal that is ahead of Colombia. It is Ghana, and we are going to play our style, with our strength. And I'm sure we're going to bring more problems to Colombia during the game."
The Black Stars completed their final training session at Sporting Kansas Stadium on Thursday ahead of Friday's 8:30 p.m. ET kick-off at Kansas City Stadium.
Ghana are aiming to reach the World Cup Round of 16 for the first time since their historic quarter-final run at the 2010 tournament in South Africa. The winner of the tie will face Switzerland in the Round of 16 after the Europeans defeated Algeria 2-0 on Wednesday.
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