Colombia Defeats DR Congo 1-0 to Advance in World Cup

Colombia defeated the Democratic Republic of the Congo 1-0 on Tuesday night in Guadalajara, Mexico, securing a place in the World Cup knockout stage. Daniel Muñoz scored the decisive goal in the 76th minute with a left-footed strike from inside the area after the ball deflected off a defender. It was his second goal of the tournament.

Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi had kept his side level with five saves in the opening 20 minutes. Congo created two late chances to equalize in stoppage time. Colombia goalkeeper Camilo Vargas saved a long-range effort from Nathanael Mbuku and then denied a header by Chancel Mbemba from the resulting corner.

Luis Díaz had two goals disallowed in quick succession late in the second half, one for a foul in the 79th minute and one for offside in the 80th minute. Colombia holds six points from two matches in Group K, two ahead of Portugal and five clear of Congo. Portugal routed Uzbekistan 5-0 earlier Tuesday in Houston, with Cristiano Ronaldo scoring twice.

Colombia, ranked 11th in the world, opened the tournament with a 3-1 win over Uzbekistan. Congo, ranked 47th, began its first World Cup appearance in 52 years with a 1-1 draw against Portugal. Colombia needs only a draw against Portugal on Saturday to finish first in the group.

Playmaker James Rodríguez made his 10th World Cup appearance for Colombia, matching the totals of Freddy Rincón and Carlos Valderrama. Congo fan Michel Nkuka Mboladinga, who had missed the opening match due to quarantine, attended the game in Guadalajara and maintained a statue pose throughout.