If you have watched any of Colombia’s games to date, you will know all three have been enthralling encounters in their own right. Ghana, less so, but that is where the intrigue in this contest comes from.

Colombia navigated Group K in superb style, pipping Portugal to the post, who could only settle for second.

Ghana’s path through, though, was less smooth sailing and more turbulent. They squeaked through as one of the best third-placed teams. But they will not care one jot; they have qualified and will prove a stern test for Colombia.

Both teams will likely cancel each other out in how they set up. Patience will be pivotal once more for Colombia.

The main tactical focus will be how Ghana deal with Colombia’s wide rotations. Colombia like to build overloads on the right, with full-back Daniel Muñoz stepping high and combining with the attacking players, specifically James Rodríguez, who floats across the frontline to stretch the opposition’s shape. That movement has been key to Colombia’s success.

Ghana will likely set up in a compact mid-block to limit those rotations and stop Colombia progressing cleanly through central areas. Their shape between midfield and defence will be important, especially when Colombia rotate positions in advanced areas. In Carlos Queiroz, they have a wily old fox who will have prepared meticulously for every scenario.

Ghana’s main attacking threat will come in transition. They are not a side that dominates possession, but they are direct when they win the ball and can surge into forward areas with real potency. That is where they will need to be most efficient if they are to have any chance of progressing.

Colombia have been strong and stringent in dealing with those moments, having conceded only one goal in the tournament so far. Even when they commit players forward, their recovery structure has been solid, and they have limited clear chances against them. That balance has been one of the reasons for their unbeaten run.

Prediction: 3-1

Both sides have relatively settled squads. Semenyo is the only doubt for Ghana due to a recurring ankle problem. He should, though, be fit enough to start. Ghana need their main man fit and firing.

Having made several changes against Portugal, Néstor Lorenzo will recall his trusty old guard.

Muñoz will return after a well-earned rest last time out.

Luis Suárez is anticipated to return to the line-up in place of Jhon Córdoba up front. That is the Colombian conundrum for Lorenzo. Will he stick with Córdoba or twist with Suárez? On the showing against Portugal, you would say stick with Córdoba. He harassed the Portuguese defence brilliantly. You would expect something similar to happen against Ghana to unsettle a settled defensive unit.