Colombia uses late second half goal to rise above the Democratic Republic of the Congo in a 1-0 win.
With their win over DR Congo, Colombia punch their ticket to the round of 32.
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Right out of the gate Colombia looked to go-ahead early following a transition.
Jhon Arias would deliver a shot onto net, forcing a great save early by Congolese goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi.
Just a few minutes later the Crystal Palace man Daniel Muñoz would find the back of the net.
But a heartbeat later, the offsides flag would nullify the goal.
Colombia would keep the pressure on, however.
Finding another opportunity in the 16th minute which saw Luis Díaz take another crack on net.
But yet again, Mpasi, just like he did against Portugal, stood firm and kept the game scoreless.
Colombia’s offense in the first half was suffocating, firing 14 shots in the first 45 minutes, six of which were on target.
But Mpasi, like a brick wall, kept everything out.
Colombia would frustratingly head to the half in a 0-0 deadlock with DR Congo.
Coming out of the half Colombia would continue to hunt for that go-ahead goal.
And in the 50th minute, Díaz would once again find a great opportunity.
And once again, Mpasi would turn him away.
Following Díaz’s attempt, Colombia would not find another shot for 26 minutes.
That was until the 76th, where this time, Colombia would finally break the deadlock.
Muñoz would clean up a loose ball, firing it onto net and getting a little help from a Congolese deflection to find the back of the net.
In the 80th minute Díaz seemingly finally broke through to find his first goal of the night and the second for Colombia.
But a foul prior to the strike would keep Colombia’s advantage to just one.
But DR Congo just would not go away.
In the 90+1st minute Nathanaël Mbuku would strike a ball onto net, forcing Camilo Vargas to make his first save of the night in a huge spot.
But Colombia would manage to survive, taking home the 1-0 victory.
Colombia and Dr Congo will both play their final group stage match on Saturday at 7:30 p.m.
Colombia and Portugal will face off in a matchup that is sure to have plenty of fireworks.
For Colombia, a win or draw will win them the group.
DR Congo will look for all three points and a chance to snatch second place in their match against Uzbekistan.
Follow Adrian Murillo Silva on Instagram @adrianms_official
