GUADALAJARA: Colombia secured a place in the FIFA World Cup knockout rounds after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over DR Congo in Group K on Tuesday.
A 76th-minute strike from Daniel Munoz proved decisive as Colombia claimed their second consecutive win of the tournament, moving to the top of the group with six points and guaranteeing qualification to the last 32.
The South Americans dominated much of the contest and created numerous chances, but were repeatedly denied by DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi, who produced a series of outstanding saves to keep his side in the match.
Colombia thought they had taken an early lead when Munoz found the net, but the effort was ruled out for offside. James Rodriguez, Johan Mojica and Luis Diaz also tested Mpasi as Colombia controlled possession and dictated the tempo.
DR Congo gradually settled into the game and occasionally threatened on the counterattack, while Mpasi continued to frustrate the Colombian attack with several key interventions.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 76th minute when Munoz’s effort took a deflection and beat the goalkeeper, handing Colombia a deserved lead.
DR Congo pushed for an equaliser late in the match and came close in stoppage time, but goalkeeper Camilo Vargas produced a crucial save to preserve Colombia’s advantage.
The result leaves Colombia top of Group K, two points ahead of Portugal, who defeated Uzbekistan 5-0 earlier in the day. Colombia will face Portugal in their final group-stage match in Miami, while DR Congo will meet Uzbekistan in Atlanta.
Despite the defeat, DR Congo remain mathematically in contention for a place in the knockout rounds during their first World Cup appearance since 1974.