Colombia beat DR Congo to secure World Cup knockout place
Daniel Munoz’s 76th-minute goal gave Colombia a 1-0 win in Group K and a place in the World Cup round of 32.
By Sofia Marchetti · World Affairs Correspondent
3 min read
Colombia booked a place in the World Cup round of 32 with a 1-0 win over DR Congo in Group K on Tuesday, Reuters reported. Daniel Munoz settled the match in the 76th minute at Guadalajara Stadium in Zapopan, ending a long spell of Colombian pressure against goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi.
Munoz scored from the right side of the penalty area after Colombia had spent much of the match creating chances without finding a way past Mpasi, according to Reuters. The result moved Colombia to six points from two matches and guaranteed progress before their final group match against Portugal.
Reuters reported that Colombia controlled possession and generated repeated openings after beginning the tournament with a 3-1 win over Uzbekistan. James Rodriguez, making his 10th World Cup appearance, tested Mpasi with a strong shot in the 11th minute.
That appearance put Rodriguez level with the Colombian World Cup record held jointly by Freddy Rincon and Carlos Valderrama, Reuters reported. Mpasi then kept out attempts from Jhon Arias and Luis Diaz as Colombia pushed for an early lead.
Diaz came close in the 18th minute after bringing down a chipped pass inside the penalty area, turning and shooting, Reuters reported. Mpasi saved with his foot to keep the match scoreless.
DR Congo, who had opened with a 1-1 draw against Portugal, had chances of their own through Edo Kayembe, Cedric Bakambu and Yoane Wissa, according to Reuters. The African side could not turn those moments into a goal.
By halftime, Colombia had taken 15 shots, six of them on target, Reuters reported. Nine of Colombia’s 10 outfield players had tried an effort before the break.
Mpasi delays Colombia breakthrough
Colombia kept up the pressure after halftime, with Diaz forcing another save from Mpasi in the 51st minute, Reuters reported. Arias put the rebound wide as DR Congo again survived.
Wissa nearly gave DR Congo the lead in the 73rd minute from a Simon Banza assist, but his shot was blocked, according to Reuters. Colombia went ahead soon after through Munoz.
Diaz later put the ball into the top corner, but the goal was ruled out for offside, Reuters reported. Colombia still had enough to secure the win and a place in the knockout stage.
Portugal also won earlier Tuesday, beating Uzbekistan 5-0, Reuters reported. Colombia will face Portugal in their final group match with both teams in position to shape the top of Group K.
DR Congo stayed on one point after two matches, according to Reuters. They will need a result against Uzbekistan to keep their hopes of advancing alive.
Reuters also reported that Michel Nkuka Mboladinga, DR Congo’s well-known “living statue” supporter, attended the match after missing the Portugal game because of Ebola quarantine requirements.
This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.