Daniel Munoz scored the decisive goal as Colombia secured a 1-0 victory over DR Congo on Tuesday, booking their place in the World Cup Round of 32 with a game to spare.
The defender struck in the 76th minute, finally breaking the resistance of DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi, who produced a series of outstanding saves to keep his team in the contest for much of the match.
Colombia, who began their campaign with a 3-1 win over Uzbekistan, controlled possession from the start and created numerous scoring opportunities.
Veteran playmaker James Rodriguez, making his 10th World Cup appearance to equal Colombia’s all-time record, tested Mpasi early with a powerful shot in the 11th minute. The goalkeeper was equal to the effort and continued to frustrate Colombia throughout the first half.
Luis Diaz came close to opening the scoring in the 18th minute when he controlled a chipped pass brilliantly inside the penalty area, turned his marker and fired towards goal, but Mpasi stuck out a foot to make another impressive save.
Jhon Arias also forced the goalkeeper into action as Colombia piled on the pressure.
Despite spending much of the match defending, DR Congo had their moments. Edo Kayembe, Cedric Bakambu and Yoane Wissa all threatened on the counterattack, but the African side lacked the finishing touch.
By half-time, Colombia had registered 15 shots, six of them on target, but still had nothing to show for their dominance.
The South Americans continued to attack after the break. Diaz again tested Mpasi shortly after halftime, while Arias fired the rebound wide.
DR Congo almost stunned Colombia in the 73rd minute when Wissa got on the end of a pass from Simon Banza, but his effort was blocked at the last moment.
Just three minutes later, Colombia finally found the breakthrough. Munoz collected the ball inside the area and calmly finished from a tight angle to give his side the lead.
Diaz thought he had doubled Colombia’s lead later in the match, only for his goal to be ruled out for offside.
The victory moved Colombia onto six points from two matches and guaranteed their place in the knockout stage ahead of their final group game against Portugal.
DR Congo remain on one point and must now get a positive result against Uzbekistan in their final match to keep their qualification hopes alive.
