Daniel Munoz scored in the 76th minute and Colombia clinched a spot in the World Cup’s round of 32 with a 1-0 victory over the Democratic Republic of the Congo on Tuesday in Group K play at Zapopan, Mexico.
DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi had a stellar performance with eight saves, but Munoz managed to beat him once and put Colombia (2-0-0, 6 points) in first place in the group.
Colombia will face Portugal (1-0-1, 4 points) on Saturday at Miami Gardens, Fla., to decide the group winner.
DR Congo (0-1-1, 1 point) didn’t have a shot on goal until the first minute of second-half stoppage time. Nathanael Mbuku delivered a left-footed rocket that Colombia goalkeeper Camilo Vargas made his lone save of the match with his left hand.
The goal by Munoz was set up by two teammates. Juan Fernando Quintero sent a slow-rolling pass toward Jhon Cordoba, who shielded his defender and let the ball go through to Munoz, who sent a left-footed shot into the net for his second goal of the tournament.
Colombia’s Luis Diaz sent a right-footed blast into the net in the 79th minute, but he was flagged for being offside.
Colombia outshot DR Congo 20-7 and placed nine shots on target to the African side’s two.
Mpasi was brilliant with five saves in the opening 16 minutes to keep DR Congo in the match.
In the fourth minute, Luis Suarez’s shot was stopped by Mpasi and the rebound went toward Munoz. His close-range shot toward the right corner of the net was deflected by Mpasi.
Two minutes later, Munoz’s shot was blocked by Mpasi’s right hand. Munoz charged toward the net and was able to get the ball past Mpasi, but he was flagged for offside to negate the goal.
In the 11th minute, James Rodriguez delivered a left-footed rocket from beyond the box, and Mpasi again made a big save.
Five minutes later, Diaz had a close-range right-footed shot stopped by Mpasi’s legs.
The mid-half hydration break seemed to help DR Congo get their footing and the match was scoreless at halftime despite Colombia possessing a 14-2 edge in shots and placing six on target to none for DR Congo.
Five minutes into the second half, Mpasi was at it again.
Diaz took a left-footed shot and Mpasi made a stellar leg save. Jhon Arias sent the rebound shot wide.
DR Congo will oppose Uzbekistan (0-2-0, 0 points) on Saturday in Atlanta.
–Field Level Media
