Munoz sends Colombia into World Cup knockouts with 1-0 win over DR Congo

Daniel Munoz’s 76th-minute goal guided Colombia to a Group K win over DR Congo, sending them to the round of 32.Daniel Munoz has fired ‌Colombia into the World Cup round of 32 with a ⁠1-0 win over the Democratic Republic of the ⁠Congo in Group K after goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi had threatened to turn the match into a night of frustration.Munoz struck the winner from the right ⁠side of the penalty area in the 76th minute on Tuesday, finally beating Mpasi, who had repeatedly denied Colombia with an inspired performance.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3Ronaldo scores in record sixth World Cup as Portugal thrash Uzbekistanlist 2 of 3Budimir gives Croatia a 1-0 win to eliminate Panama from the World Cuplist 3 of 3World Cup knockouts: Who has made it to the round of 32 stage?end of listColombia, who opened their World Cup campaign with a ⁠3-1 win over Uzbekistan, commanded possession and created numerous chances.Colombia’s Daniel Munoz celebrates with Luis Diaz and Juan Quintero after scoring a goal [Raquel Cunha/Reuters]James Rodriguez, making his 10th World Cup appearance to equal the Colombian record jointly held by Freddy Rincon and Carlos Valderrama, forced Mpasi into action with a powerful strike in the 11th minute.The goalkeeper stood firm, repelling efforts ‌from Jhon Arias and winger Luis Diaz, who came close to breaking the deadlock in the 18th minute, controlling a chipped pass inside the penalty area, turning smartly, and firing a shot goal-wards, only for Mpasi to save it with his foot.The African side, buoyed by their opening 1-1 draw with Portugal, threatened sporadically through Edo Kayembe, Cedric Bakambu and Yoane Wissa, but lacked a clinical finish.By half-time, Colombia had registered 15 ⁠shots, including six on target, with nine of their 10 ⁠outfield players attempting efforts.Colombia’s Luis Diaz has his shot saved by DR Congo’s Lionel Mpasi [Raquel Cunha/Reuters]In the stands, DR Congo had support from Michel Nkuka Mboladinga, the team’s famous “living statue” fan, who made his World Cup debut after missing the opener against Portugal because of Ebola quarantine requirements.