Colombia into World Cup knockouts: Daniel Munoz wins over DR Congo
Colombia advanced to the knockout stage with a 1-0 win over DR Congo in the World Cup group stage. Munoz's winner marked James Rodriguez's 10th World Cup appearance and made history.
Colombia registered a crucial win in the group stage battle of the Football World Cup 2026 in Mexico, USA and Canada. In the match against DR Congo, right back Daniel Munoz scored in the 76th minute to confirm the team's ticket to the knockout stages.
In this match, the Colombian team showed complete dominance. Flashed as a defensive force in the first half recording 15 shots, six best target trials. Goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi was glowing about the efforts of many players in the team. Luis Diaz and John Arias also created successive chances, with James Rodriguez firing a powerful shot in the 11th minute.
DR Congo's side were on the move, but the Polish forwards Edo Kayembe, Cedric Bakambu and Yoane Wissa each missed a chance. In the 73rd minute, Wissaku's corner shot was saved by Colombia.
In response to this, in the 76th minute Munoz entered the box from the right wing and scored a goal with a slight deflection of the shot. Later, Diaz scored another goal but it was ruled out for offside.
After the match, Munoz commented, "We are not going to be a hero by scoring a goal single-handedly. This is our team's credit. Everyone has a role to play. For Colombia, we performed as a family."
Colombia secured six points and qualified for the knockouts ahead of their match against Portugal in the group. DR Congo will have to fight for victory against Uzbekistan in the final match.
A special focus for this match was DR Congo fan Michel Mkuka Mboladinga. He is known as the 'Living Statue' of the team. He missed the first match due to quarantine and is present in the match this time.