Daniel Munoz scored for the second successive game as Colombia booked their place in the World Cup last 32 with a 1-0 win over the Democratic Republic of Congo.<\/p>\n
The Crystal Palace full-back finally beat the heroics of Congolese goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi, leaving the Africans needing a victory against Ukbekistan in their final group game to keep their hopes alive.<\/p>\n
Edo Kayembe fired a shot over the bar for DR Congo in the opening minutes, but it was a rare foray as Colombia dominated the opening exchanges with eight shots in the opening 20 minutes.<\/p>\n
Mpasi was forced into saves from Jhon Arias, Munoz – who bundled in the rebound, but was flagged offside – James Rodriguez and Gustavo Puerta with Luis Diaz’s effort deflecting wide after going through the goalkeeper’s legs.<\/p>\n
DR Congo, who had left too much room early on, tightened up after the hydration break as the rain began to fall in Guadalajara, Yoane Wissa almost profiting on a loose back pass and coming close to connecting with a teasing cross from Arther Masuaku.<\/p>\n
Mpasi saved again from Diaz to start the second half, but he was finally beaten 14 minutes from time when Munoz’s shot beat him at his near post via a deflection.<\/p>\n
Having waited so long to beat Mpasi, Diaz managed it twice in the next four minutes as the game opened up, only for both to be ruled out – the first for a push on a defender before he lofted the ball over the goalkeeper, the second for offside.<\/p>\n
Mpasi was forced into another save from Juan Quintero before his opposite number Camila Vargas faced his first shot on target in stoppage time, turning away Nathanael Mbuku’s long-range strike and smothering Chancel Mbemba’s header from a corner.<\/p>\n
Watch every game of the FIFA 2026 World Cup live on RT\u00c9 with highlights on RT\u00c9 Sport digital platforms and live blogs on RT\u00c9.ie\/sport and RT\u00c9 News app<\/p>\n
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