Colombia defeated DR Congo and advanced to the World Cup knockout stage thanks to a deflected goal by Daniel Munoz.
Colombia squandered numerous opportunities while being supported by the large majority of the Guadalajara audience, but in the 76th minute, Munoz, a wing-back for Crystal Palace, broke the deadlock.
Munoz received a deft pass from Juan Fernando Quintero, and his left-footed shot bounced off the defender, wrong-footed DR Congo custodian Lionel Mpasi, and sneaked in at the near post.
Colombia’s second consecutive victory places them atop Group K and guarantees their spot in the round of 32, while DR Congo is in third place and must defeat Uzbekistan in their final group match to advance.
Munoz, the game’s winner, was a constant threat and had the opportunity to give Colombia the lead inside four minutes. However, when Jhon Arias’ drive was parried into his path, Munoz’s close-range effort went into the side netting.
Munoz’s first header was saved two minutes later, and although it was extremely close, he was just offside when he bundled the ball into the net.
Despite their persistent first 20 minutes of dominance, Colombia was unable to overcome Mpasi.
After halftime, they were still ahead. At 50 minutes, Luis Diaz had a chance to put them ahead, but he was unable to do so with just Mpasi to beat, and Arias’ follow-up went wide.
However, Quintero put the ball into Munoz’s path and he defeated Mpasi just when it appeared that Colombia would have a frustrating evening.
Colombia hung on for a well-earned victory despite DR Congo’s late push for a levelizer.
It’s amazing that Colombia’s biggest threat in this World Cup has come from a wing-back on a team that includes Diaz and James Rodriguez.
Munoz now has two goals in two tournament games, and he may legitimately believe that there should be more.
Saying that he could have scored a hat-trick against DR Congo is hardly hyperbole.
He only managed to score one goal through a deflection, but neither he nor Colombia will give a damn because the goal ensured their group qualification.
Munoz’s threat of violence is likewise not surprising. Throughout his tenure at Palace, it has been clear.
However, if teams have been ignoring the threat posed by the right wing-back thus far in this World Cup, that will undoubtedly change.
The 30-year-old’s experience is demonstrated by his ability to ghost in around the back, showing up late and consistently timing his runs well.
He has been doing this for many years. Combating those darts from out to in is more said than done, especially for defences already worried about Diaz and company, but it comes naturally to him.
Munoz should be high on the opposition scouting reports going forward because he is at the top of his game and among the best in the world at what he does.
Source: newsthemegh.com