Guadalajara [Mexico], June 25: Colombian fans were made to wait but eventually able to celebrate a 1-0 win over the Democratic Republic of Congo on Tuesday and the qualification for the knock-out stages of the World Cup.
Colombia were clearly the most dangerous team throughout the match but DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi had a superb performance to keep the ball out of his net.
But he was finally beaten in the 76th as Daniel Muñoz scored his second goal in the tournament to give Colombia a deserved winner.
Colombia had three goals ruled out, two of them had been scored by Luis Diaz.
"It was a great game from the players, they did what we planned. In the end I think things got a bit complicated. With teams like that, you have to find spaces between the lines. Very happy with everything," Colombia coach Nestor Lorenzo said.
The South Americans top Group K with six points, two ahead of second-placed Portugal. DR Congo are third with one point but still hopeful they can advance.
Colombia rewarded for hard work Colombia set the tone in the fourth minute and forced Mpasi to make his first big save of the evening to deny Jhon Arias from close range. The ball was parried into Muñoz's way but he only found the side-netting.
He was on target three minutes later, but his goal was ruled out for offside.
Mpsai made another big save in the 11th to deny James Rodriguez from distance and another one in the 16th to stop a brilliant effort from Luis Diaz.
Things didn't change in the second half and Mpasi was called to action once more with a stunning save to deny Diaz in the 50th. The ball fell to Arias but he shot it wide.
DR Congo finally threatened with a double chance in the 75th. Yoane Wissa's shot was blocked before the ball was recovered and recycled into a cross for Charles Pickel, but his header went off target.
And as taking it as a warning, Colombia finally found a breakthrough one minute later.
Jhon Cordoba shielded the ball and let a pass run beyond him and into Muñoz's path, and the Crystal Palace defender curled his effort into the goal.
They would have added a second when Diaz chipped the ball over Mpasi and into the net in the 77th but the goal was ruled out for a foul in the play.
Diaz was on target again with a stunner in the 80th but his effort was once more ruled out, this time for offside.
Colombia keeper Camilo Vargas made his first save of the night in stoppage time, but a crucial one to deflect Nathanael Mbuku's powerful shot from distance and secure the victory.
"That's football. You have your chances and you need to score one," Muñoz said.
Source: Qatar Tribune
