New Delhi: Daniel Munoz scored the last goal as Colombia beat DR Congo 1-0 on Tuesday to become one of the first teams to qualify. FIFA World Cup knockout stage.The defender scored the winner in the 76th minute after a much-contested game in Guadalajara. Muñoz’s cross from the left inside the box deflected behind a defender before finding the net, leaving DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi with no chance.It was Muñoz’s second goal of the tournament and enough to give them their second consecutive victory over Colombia in Group K.For most of the game, Mpasi kept DR Congo in the competition and did well. The goalkeeper made five difficult saves in the first 20 minutes as Colombia dominated and created several chances.DR Congo almost grabbed a goal in stoppage time. Nathanael Mbuku tested Colombian goalkeeper Camilo Vargas with a long shot, but Vargas made a great save. Moments later, he denied Chancel Mbemba’s header to deny Colombia the lead.Colombia thought they had sealed the game late on through Luis DÃaz, but the Liverpool forward saw two goals scored two minutes later. One was disallowed for a foul while the other was offside.The African side impressed in their opening game by holding Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal 1-1, but could not repeat that against a clinical Colombian side.With six points from two games, Colombia are now top of Group K and have booked their place in the round of 32. Portugal is second after beating Uzbekistan 5-0, while DR Congo is one point behind.A draw against Portugal in their final group game would be enough for Colombia to finish as group winners.The match also featured the famous DR Congo follower Michel Nkuka Mboladinga, also known as “Lumumba Vea”. The singer, who made headlines at the Africa Cup of Nations for standing like a statue throughout the game, took part in the game after missing the team’s opening game due to Ebola-related restrictions.Colombia, who failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup, have made a successful comeback in the tournament with back-to-back wins. Veteran midfielder James RodrÃguez also reached the milestone, joining Colombian greats Freddy Rincón and Carlos Valderrama with 10 World Cup caps.
