Munoz fires Colombia into World Cup last 32 with late winner against DR Congo

Early dominance meets Mpasi resistance

Colombia started aggressively, with James Rodriguez, Luis Diaz and Daniel Munoz all forcing saves from goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi within the opening minutes. Munoz had a goal disallowed for a marginal offside in the sixth minute. Mpasi, who plays for Le Havre in France, made a string of saves to keep the score level, prompting frustration among the Colombian players. By halftime, Colombia had registered 15 shots, including six on target, with nine of their ten outfield players attempting efforts.

The decisive moment and disallowed goals

DR Congo, who earned a draw against Portugal in their opener, threatened sporadically through Edo Kayembe, Cedric Bakambu and Yoane Wissa but could not convert. Their best chance came in the 73rd minute when Wissa's shot from a Simon Banza assist was blocked. Minutes later, Munoz surged into the right side of the penalty area and fired a low left-footed shot that took a deflection past Mpasi to make it 1-0. The goal, which came in the 76th minute (some sources report the 75th), was the defender's second of the tournament after scoring against Uzbekistan.

From the first minute we went out to eat the pitch, we had countless options... and in the end I think it was very deserved to get the win.

Colombia thought they had doubled the lead when Luis Diaz found the net, but the effort was ruled out for offside. Another Diaz finish was also disallowed, bringing the total of Colombian goals chalked off to three across the match. In stoppage time, Camilo Vargas preserved the win by denying Nathanael Mbuku's late equalizer attempt.

Looking ahead and milestones

Colombia will face Portugal in Miami on Saturday 27 June to decide the group winner, while DR Congo will meet Uzbekistan in Atlanta needing a result to keep their qualification hopes alive. James Rodriguez's appearance was his 10th in a World Cup, equalling the Colombian record jointly held by Freddy Rincon and Carlos Valderrama. In the stands, DR Congo's famous 'living statue' fan Michel Nkuka Mboladinga made his World Cup debut after missing the opener due to Ebola quarantine requirements.