Guadalajara, Mexico: Colombia secured qualification for the FIFA World Cup Round of 32 after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over DR Congo in a Group K encounter on Wednesday.
Daniel Munoz scored the decisive goal in the 76th minute to hand the South Americans their second consecutive victory and confirm their place in the knockout phase with six points.
The match marked the first-ever meeting between Colombia and DR Congo, with the South Americans dominating much of the contest.
DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi produced a series of impressive saves to keep his side in the game, repeatedly denying Colombian star Luis Diaz.
Munoz had earlier seen a goal disallowed for offside before finally breaking the deadlock with a low finish into the bottom corner.
Diaz also had two goals ruled out after the breakthrough, one for a foul and another for offside, as Colombia continued to create chances.
Despite a late push from DR Congo, Colombia held firm to secure all three points and become the first team from Group K to qualify for the Round of 32.
The victory leaves Colombia top of the standings with six points, ahead of Portugal on four. Uzbekistan have one point while DR Congo remain without a point heading into the final round of group matches.
Group L race open
Elsewhere, Ghana strengthened their qualification hopes with a disciplined 0-0 draw against England in Group L.
England dominated possession but struggled to penetrate a well-organised Ghanaian defence throughout the match in Foxborough.
The Three Lions came closest to breaking the deadlock when Harry Kane’s stoppage-time header crashed against the crossbar.
Ghana goalkeeper Benjamin Asare also produced a crucial late save to deny Bukayo Saka and preserve an important clean sheet.
The result leaves both England and Ghana on four points heading into their final group matches, with qualification still within reach for both sides.
England midfielder Jude Bellingham was named Man of the Match after another influential display.
In the other Group L fixture, Croatia boosted their qualification hopes with a narrow 1-0 victory over Panama.
Substitute Ante Budimir scored the winner in the 54th minute after converting a cross from Josip Stanisic.
The match also marked a major milestone for Croatia captain Luka Modric, who earned his 200th international appearance.
Croatia now move to three points and remain firmly in contention for a place in the knockout rounds ahead of a decisive final group match against Ghana.
Panama, meanwhile, remain without a point and face England in their final fixture.
Attention now turns to Wednesday’s fixtures where Switzerland and Canada meet in a battle for top spot in Group B after both teams secured qualification for the Round of 32.
Bosnia and Herzegovina will also face Qatar in a crucial encounter as both nations seek to keep their qualification hopes alive.
On Thursday, Brazil face Scotland in Group C, while Morocco take on Haiti knowing victory could secure their passage to the knockout stage.
South Africa and South Korea will clash in a key Group A encounter, while already-qualified Mexico conclude their group campaign against Czech Republic.
Standings
Group K
- Colombia – 6 points
- Portugal – 4 points
- Uzbekistan – 1 point
- DR Congo – 0 points
Group L
- England – 4 points
- Ghana – 4 points
- Croatia – 3 points
- Panama – 0 points
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