Colombia edge past DR Congo 1-0 to secure World Cup round of 32 spot
Colombia defeated DR Congo 1-0 on Tuesday, with Daniel Munoz scoring the winner to book their place in the World Cup round of 32. Lionel Mpasi's heroics in goal for DR Congo were in vain.
Colombia secured their place in the World Cup round of 32 on Tuesday with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over DR Congo in Group K. The decisive goal came in the 76th minute from Daniel Munoz, who fired home from the right side of the penalty area.
Colombia dominated possession and created numerous chances throughout the match, but were repeatedly frustrated by DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi, who put in an inspired performance. James Rodriguez, making his 10th World Cup appearance to equal the Colombian record jointly held by Freddy Rincon and Carlos Valderrama, forced Mpasi into action early with a powerful strike in the 11th minute.
The goalkeeper continued to deny Colombia, saving efforts from Jhon Arias and Luis Diaz, who came close in the 18th minute when he controlled a chipped pass inside the box, turned, and shot, only for Mpasi to save with his foot. By halftime, Colombia had registered 15 shots, six on target, with nine of their 10 outfield players attempting efforts.
DR Congo, who had drawn 1-1 with Portugal in their opening match, threatened sporadically through Edo Kayembe, Cedric Bakambu, and Yoane Wissa but lacked a clinical finish. Wissa almost gave DR Congo the lead in the 73rd minute from Simon Banza's assist, but his shot was blocked.
Colombia resumed their pressure after the break, with Diaz forcing another fine save from Mpasi in the 51st minute before Arias dragged the rebound wide. Shortly after DR Congo's missed chance, Munoz struck the winner. Diaz later thought he had doubled the lead with a finish into the top corner, but it was ruled out for offside.
The win lifted Colombia to six points from two matches, guaranteeing their progress to the knockout stage ahead of their final group game against Portugal, who beat Uzbekistan 5-0 earlier on Tuesday. DR Congo remained on one point and will need a result against Uzbekistan to keep their qualification hopes alive.
In the stands, DR Congo's famous "living statue" fan Michel Nkuka Mboladinga made his World Cup debut after missing the opener against Portugal due to Ebola quarantine requirements.
