SOCCER: Munoz strike sends Colombia into World Cup Round of 32

GUADALAJARA — Daniel Munoz scored the decisive goal to send Colombia into the World Cup Round of 32 with a 1-0 victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo in Group K on Tuesday, as goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi delivered a standout performance that kept the match competitive for much of the night.

Munoz broke the deadlock in the 76th minute with a finish from the right side of the penalty area, finally beating Mpasi after a series of crucial saves that frustrated Colombia’s attack throughout the match.

Colombia, who began their World Cup campaign with a 3-1 win over Uzbekistan, controlled possession and created numerous scoring opportunities from the opening whistle.

James Rodríguez, appearing in his 10th World Cup match to equal the Colombian record held by Freddy Rincón and Carlos Valderrama, tested Mpasi early with a powerful shot in the 11th minute. The goalkeeper responded confidently, continuing his strong form by denying efforts from Jhon Arias and Luis Díaz.

Díaz came close in the 18th minute after receiving a chipped pass inside the penalty area, turning sharply and firing toward goal, but Mpasi reacted quickly to save with his foot.

The DR Congo side, boosted by their 1-1 draw against Portugal in their opener, created occasional threats through Edo Kayembe, Cédric Bakambu, and Yoane Wissa, but struggled to convert chances into clear scoring opportunities.

By halftime, Colombia had recorded 15 shots, including six on target, with nearly every outfield player attempting at least one effort.

In the stands, DR Congo received support from well-known fan Michel Nkuka Mboladinga, who made his World Cup appearance after missing the opener due to Ebola quarantine requirements.

Colombia continued to press after the break, with Díaz forcing another save from Mpasi in the 51st minute before Arias sent the rebound wide. Wissa nearly gave DR Congo the lead in the 73rd minute, but his shot following a pass from Simon Banza was blocked.

Moments later, Colombia finally made their pressure count when Munoz scored the winner.

“Just because I scored the goal doesn’t mean I’m the hero,” Munoz said in comments to Colombian television. “I belong to everyone. We’re all in this together. We won as a team, as Colombia. We are one family.”

Díaz later found the net, but his effort was ruled out for offside after he appeared to finish into the top corner.

“Against a team like that, you have to find the spaces between the lines. If you play too predictably, they press you and hit you on the counterattack,” Colombia coach Néstor Lorenzo said.

The result moved Colombia to six points from two matches, securing their place in the knockout stage ahead of their final group match against Portugal, who defeated Uzbekistan 5-0 earlier in the day.

DR Congo remain on one point and must secure a result against Uzbekistan to keep their hopes of advancing alive. -Reporting by Angelica Medina in Mexico CityEditing by Christian Radnedge/Reuters