At 78 minutes, Daniel Muñoz’s right‑footed cut‑in from the flank glanced off Steve Kapuadi and tucked past a flailing Lionel Mpasi, ending a 30‑minute scramble of saves that had Congo fans holding their breath.
That flick‑on was enough to seal a 1‑0 win over a side that had kept Colombia guessing for three matches.
How the goal unfolded
Mpasi, the Le Havre‑based goalkeeper, had denied Luis Díaz twice, only for the linesman to disallow the attempts for marginal offsides. The DRC defense, distracted by a penalty appeal from the edge of the box, left a sliver of space on the near post.
Muñoz, the Crystal Palace right‑back, surged down the right wing, cut inside and unleashed a low drive. Kapuadi’s inadvertent block redirected the ball, wrong‑footing Mpasi and forcing a scramble that ended with the ball in the net.
Why does this matter?
Colombia’s victory guarantees a place in the last 32 for the first time since the 2018 tournament, and means a group‑topping finish if they can hold a draw against Portugal later. A top‑spot pits them against a third‑place finisher from Group H in Kansas City – a match that could decide a semi‑final berth.
For the 31‑year‑old Muñoz, it’s his second goal in as many games, cementing his emerging reputation as a set‑piece threat despite being a defender.
What’s at stake for the DR Congo?
The loss leaves the Congolese side on three points, their only win coming against Japan. They now need a miracle in the final group game to keep hopes of a best‑third‑place slot alive.
Mpasi’s heroic save spree will be remembered, but the deflection highlights how fine the margins are at a World Cup – one slight mis‑touch ending a nation’s dream.
What happens next?
Colombia face Portugal on Thursday. A draw will send them top of Group J; a win guarantees second place and a clash with England’s runners‑up in Toronto. The Portuguese, already through, will rest key players, turning the match into a tactical battle.
Fans across South America and Europe will be glued to their screens, because a single goal can rewrite the knockout bracket.
Stay tuned as the knockout stage unfolds – the next big upset could be just a deflection away.