New Delhi: Daniel Munoz scored the decisive goal to help Colombia defeat Democratic Republic of Congo 1-0 on Tuesday and become one of the first teams to qualify for the tournament. fifa world cup Knockout stage.The defender found the breakthrough in the 76th minute after an intense game in Guadalajara. Munoz’s left-footed shot from inside the box beat a defender and found its way into the net, leaving DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpahi with no chance.It was Munoz’s second goal of the tournament and enough to give Colombia a second consecutive Group K victory.Mpasi put in a fine performance to keep DR Congo in the game for most of the game. In the first 20 minutes, the goalkeeper made five tough saves as Colombia dominated possession and created multiple chances.DR Congo almost equalized in dramatic stoppage time. Nathanael Mbuku tested Colombian goalkeeper Camilo Vargas with a powerful long-range shot, but Vargas made a fine save. Soon after, he blocked Shancel Mbemba’s header from a corner kick to preserve Colombia’s lead.Colombia thought they had sealed the game in the dying seconds through Luis Dias, but the Liverpool forward found two goals disallowed in the space of two minutes. One was ruled out for a foul and the other was ruled out for offside.The African side impressed in their opening match with a 1-1 draw against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal, but they were unable to repeat that result against a clinical Colombian side.Colombia currently tops Group K with six points from two games and has secured a spot in the last 32. Portugal beat Uzbekistan 5-0 to move into second place, while the Democratic Republic of Congo remains on one point.Colombia’s draw with Portugal in their final group match was enough to finish top of the group.The match also sees the return of renowned Democratic Republic of Congo supporter Michel Nkuka Mboladinga, popularly known as “Lumumba Wea”. The fan, who went viral for standing like a statue during games during the Africa Cup of Nations, attended the game after missing the team’s opener due to Ebola-related quarantine regulations.Colombia, who failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup, impressed with two consecutive wins. Veteran playmaker James Rodriguez has also reached a milestone, joining Colombian superstars Freddy Rincon and Carlos Valderrama in 10 World Cup appearances.
