Colombia secured their place in the FIFA World Cup knockout stage with a hard fought 1-0 victory over DR Congo at Estadio Guadalajara on Tuesday. Daniel Munoz scored the decisive goal in the second half to maintain Colombia’s perfect start to the tournament and send them back to the top of Group K.
The result sets up a winner takes all clash with Portugal for first place in the group, while Colombia can now approach their final fixture knowing qualification is already secured.
Colombia arrived full of confidence after a 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan in their opening match, with Daniel Munoz, Luis Diaz and Jaminton Campaz all finding the net. DR Congo, meanwhile, earned a respectable 1-1 draw against Portugal but entered the contest on a three match winless run.
The South Americans started at a relentless pace and almost broke the deadlock inside four minutes. Colombia played through the DR Congo press before Jhon Arias forced a save from goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi at close range. The rebound fell kindly to Munoz, but the Crystal Palace defender could only find the side netting.
Three minutes later, Munoz thought he had opened the scoring. His initial header was saved by Mpasi, and he reacted quickest to bundle the loose ball into the net. However, the assistant referee immediately raised the flag for offside, and a VAR review upheld the decision.
Colombia continued to dominate. In the 12th minute, James Rodriguez unleashed a dipping strike from distance that appeared destined for the bottom corner before Mpasi produced another excellent save to tip the ball behind.
The pressure kept building. Luis Diaz came close in the 18th minute after controlling a chipped pass inside the box and creating space for a shot. Mpasi enjoyed a slice of luck as the effort struck his heel and bounced away for a corner.
Two minutes later, Gustavo Puerta tested the goalkeeper again with a powerful swerving effort from around 30 yards. Mpasi remained equal to the challenge and pushed the ball away.
By the 27th minute, Colombia had already registered five shots on target, the most by any team in the opening 20 minutes of a match at this World Cup. Yet despite their dominance, they still could not find a breakthrough.
DR Congo rarely threatened during the first half but managed one late opportunity before the interval. Edo Kayembe delivered a cross from the left and Cedric Bakambu rose highest to meet it, only to send his header comfortably over the bar.
The first half ended goalless, although Colombia had firmly controlled proceedings and looked far more likely to score.
The pattern continued after the restart. Munoz remained a constant threat down the right flank, while Luis Diaz forced another outstanding save from Mpasi following a corner. The rebound dropped to Arias, but he dragged his effort wide.
Mpasi’s performance kept DR Congo in the contest. The goalkeeper repeatedly denied Colombia and was producing one of the standout displays of the tournament.
Despite enjoying 70 percent possession during the opening stages of the second half, Colombia struggled to turn control into goals. DR Congo gradually gained confidence and nearly punished them in the 75th minute. Yoane Wissa saw a shot blocked inside the area before substitute Charles Pickel headed the recycled cross harmlessly wide.
Just when it seemed frustration might creep into Colombia’s game, the breakthrough finally arrived in the 76th minute.
Jhon Cordoba played a crucial role by cleverly shielding a pass and allowing it to run into the path of Daniel Munoz. The defender took full advantage, firing a deflected effort beyond Mpasi at the near post for his second goal of the tournament.
The goal was no more than Colombia deserved after creating chance after chance throughout the match.
Colombia thought they had doubled their advantage four minutes later when Luis Diaz beautifully chipped Mpasi after breaking through on goal. However, the effort was ruled out after the winger was judged to have pushed his marker in the build up.
DR Congo pushed forward desperately in stoppage time. Nathanael Mbuku forced a corner after a long range effort was tipped away, and from the resulting delivery Chancel Mbemba directed a header toward the far post. Camilo Vargas reacted brilliantly to make the save and preserve Colombia’s lead.
That proved to be the final opportunity as Colombia held on for a deserved victory.
The win extends Colombia’s impressive record against African opposition at the World Cup. They have now won four of their five matches against African nations, with their only defeat coming against Cameroon in 1990.
Colombia’s attacking intent was clear throughout the contest. Their 20 shots marked their highest total in a World Cup match since recording 21 against Tunisia in 1998.
For DR Congo, defeat was disappointing, but there were positives to take from another disciplined defensive display. They have conceded only two goals in two matches at this World Cup, a remarkable improvement from their first appearance as Zaire in 1974, when they shipped 11 goals across their opening two games.
Ultimately, however, Daniel Munoz’s decisive strike proved the difference as Colombia secured qualification and set up a mouthwatering showdown with Portugal for top spot in Group K.
