Colombia faces DR Congo with round-of-16 spot on the line in Guadalajara

High stakes in Group K

Colombia takes on DR Congo at Estadio Akron in Zapopan on 24 June, a match that can send the Cafeteros into the round of 16. A victory would guarantee qualification from Group K, and if Portugal fails to beat Uzbekistan, Colombia would also lock up first place. The South Americans opened with a 3-1 win over Uzbekistan, but that scoreline masked a difficult second half.

Colombia's attacking engine

Luis Diaz scored and assisted against Uzbekistan, earning man-of-the-match honours. The Bayern Munich forward is expected to lead the line again, while captain James Rodriguez will look to impose himself after a quiet opening game. Coach Nestor Lorenzo is wary of the Congolese challenge.

“It will be a very difficult match for us.”

Congo's historic return

DR Congo secured a 1-1 draw with Portugal in their first World Cup match in over half a century (the country last appeared in 1974 as Zaire). Yoane Wissa scored the nation's first goal of the tournament, and Sébastien Desabre's side showed defensive discipline and dangerous counter-attacks against one of the tournament favourites.

Permutations

The Leopards need a positive result to stay in the qualification race. A win would lift them above Colombia, while another draw would keep them in contention ahead of the final group match. The Cafeteros, on the other hand, can clinch progression with a game to spare.

Colombia3

Portugal1

DR Congo1

Uzbekistan0

Colombia

3 pts

Portugal

1 pts

DR Congo

1 pts

Uzbekistan

0 pts

Data from the article text