Daniel Munoz sends Colombia into World Cup knockout rounds as South Americans succeed where Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal failed

Colombia secured their place in the 2026 World Cup knockout stages after grinding out a hard-fought 1-0 victory over DR Congo in Guadalajara.

Crystal Palace defender Daniel Munoz proved to be the difference once again, scoring the decisive goal to hand Nestor Lorenzo’s side a second consecutive victory and guarantee qualification from Group K.

The result also highlighted an achievement that Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal could not manage, with the Europeans having been held to a frustrating draw by the same opposition earlier in the tournament.

Munoz delivers once again

After dominating possession and creating chance after chance, Colombia finally found the breakthrough in the 76th minute.

Munoz, who has become one of Colombia’s standout performers at the tournament, saw his effort take a decisive deflection off Steve Kapuadi before wrong-footing goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi and finding the back of the net.

It was the defender’s second goal of the World Cup and a reward for Colombia’s relentless attacking pressure throughout the contest.

The South Americans registered 20 shots overall and consistently pushed DR Congo deep into their own half, but needed patience to finally unlock a disciplined defensive performance.

Following the victory, Munoz was quick to shift the focus away from individual praise.

“Just because I scored the goal doesn’t mean I’m the hero,” he told Colombian television via Reuters.

“I belong to everyone; we’re all in this together. We secured the three points as a team, as Colombia. Here, we’re one family.”

Colombia succeed where Portugal stumbled

The victory carried additional significance given DR Congo’s impressive display against Portugal in their opening group match.

Roberto Martinez’s side, led by Cristiano Ronaldo, were unable to break down the African nation and had to settle for a 1-1 draw.

Colombia faced many of the same challenges but eventually found a solution thanks to their persistence and attacking variety.

With six points from two matches, Lorenzo’s men now sit comfortably at the top of Group K and have already secured their place in the last 32 with one game remaining.

Their final group fixture against Portugal will now determine who advances as group winners.

Mpasi almost frustrates Colombia

Despite Colombia’s dominance, DR Congo remained in the contest largely thanks to an outstanding performance from goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi.

The Le Havre shot-stopper produced a series of excellent saves to deny Luis Diaz, Jhon Arias and several other Colombian attackers throughout the afternoon.

Colombia thought they had opened the scoring inside six minutes when Munoz bundled home a rebound, only for the goal to be ruled out for a marginal offside.

The frustration continued after the break when Diaz saw a powerful finish chalked off by the assistant referee.

As the pressure mounted, it briefly appeared DR Congo might earn another valuable point before Munoz finally broke the deadlock.

Lorenzo praises tactical patience

Colombia head coach Lorenzo praised his team’s discipline and ability to adapt against a side determined to defend deep and counterattack.

The introduction of Juan Quintero proved particularly influential, with the experienced playmaker helping Colombia find pockets of space between the lines as the game wore on.

Speaking after the match, Lorenzo explained the challenge posed by DR Congo’s defensive setup.

“Against a team like that, you have to find the spaces between the lines,” he said.

“If you play too predictably, they press you and hit you on the counter-attack.”

The coach’s adjustments eventually paid off as Colombia maintained their perfect start to the tournament.

Portugal showdown awaits

With qualification already secured, Colombia can now turn their attention to a heavyweight clash against Portugal.

The meeting will determine top spot in Group K and could significantly influence each nation’s route through the knockout rounds.

On current form, Colombia will head into that contest full of confidence.

Two wins from two matches, a rock-solid defence and a match-winner emerging in Daniel Munoz have transformed Lorenzo’s side into one of the tournament’s early success stories.

Portugal, meanwhile, will know they face a far sterner challenge than the one that ended in frustration against DR Congo.