Jhon Arias kept Colombia’s World Cup dream alive with the decisive goal in a narrow 1-0 win over Ghana in the round of 32 in Kansas, sending Nestor Lorenzo’s team through to a last-16 meeting with Switzerland.

The Palmeiras winger struck in the 14th minute, finishing calmly after early substitute Luis Suarez created the chance, and Colombia then held firm as Ghana failed to register a single shot on target against goalkeeper Camilo Vargas.

Arias, who struggled at Wolves before moving to Palmeiras this season, believes Colombia can now target the biggest prize. “We have what it takes to dream, to believe, to reach the final,” he said. “The first step is dreaming and believing it is possible.” Either Argentina or Egypt will be Colombia’s quarter-final opponents if Switzerland are beaten.

This victory is only Colombia’s second ever success in a World Cup knockout match, following the last-16 triumph over Uruguay 12 years ago. Colombia are now aiming to at least match their best World Cup run, when hosts Brazil ended their progress in the 2014 quarter-finals.

Lorenzo’s side have built their campaign on strong defence, recording three clean sheets at a single World Cup for the first time in the nation’s history. Colombia topped Group K after a goalless draw with Portugal, finishing ahead of Roberto Martinez’s team, and also edged DR Congo 1-0.

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The victory in Kansas sets up an emotional scenario for Nestor Lorenzo, who could meet home nation Argentina later in the tournament. Colombia face Switzerland on Tuesday in Vancouver, and if successful could see Argentina again, having lost to that team as a player in the 1990 World Cup final. “It means a lot,” said Lorenzo, who highlighted the demands of this event with its varied climates, long journeys and challenging logistics for all squads.

World Cup exit for Ghana and Carlos Queiroz’s reaction

Ghana leave the tournament after a subdued performance, registering only four shots on target, with only Iraq recording fewer efforts on goal at these finals. Their appearance still equals the country’s best run since the 2010 World Cup, when Ghana last reached the knockout stages and went out in the quarter-finals.

Carlos Queiroz’s conservative style is likely to draw debate after Ghana’s attack again struggled to threaten. “The quality of our passes was not what we expected. We made a lot of mistakes and conceded counter-attacks,” Queiroz said. “They scored in the one moment that the team was not organised.”

Queiroz took charge in April on a short-term agreement and has led Ghana back to the knockouts, yet the coach’s long-term status is uncertain. “Whats next for me is to have a glass of water and relax, refresh for the next morning and start to make other decisions,” said the former Manchester United assistant, who is working at a fifth World Cup.

Colombia now stand one match from another World Cup quarter-final, with confidence high after a strong defensive run and Arias’ winning goal against Ghana, while Lorenzo balances personal emotion and planning for Switzerland in Vancouver as the squad aim to extend this historic campaign.