For more than an hour, Colombia looked destined to be fustrated in their second World Cup outing against Colombia. Chance after chance came and went, Lionel Mpasi refused to be beaten, and DR Congo’s  back line absorbed relentless pressure. Eventually, persistence paid off. Daniel Muñoz struck in the 76th minute to hand Colombia a 1-0 victory and secure their place in the Round of 32.

The result leaves Néstor Lorenzo’s side on six points from two matches and guarantees their progress with one group game still to play. For DR Congo, who had impressed in their opening draw against Portugal, qualification is no longer in their own hands, and they now face a must-win encounter against Uzbekistan.

Colombia wasted little time imposing themselves. Jhon Arias and Luis Díaz repeatedly stretched the Congolese defence, while James Rodríguez orchestrated attacks from midfield with the composure that has defined much of his international career.

The opening warning arrived inside five minutes. Arias forced Mpasi into an excellent save before Daniel Muñoz somehow sent the rebound wide with the goal at his mercy. It proved to be an early indication of what the evening would become. Colombia dominated possession, created opportunities almost at will, but found themselves frustrated by inspired defending and an outstanding Mpasi.

DR Congo rarely ventured forward in the opening half, preferring to remain compact and wait for opportunities to counter through Yoane Wissa and Cédric Bakambu. Those moments were few and far between as Davinson Sánchez and Jhon Lucumí dealt comfortably with almost everything that came their way.

At the other end, Mpasi continued to keep his side alive. He produced important saves from Rodríguez, Arias and Sánchez, while Chancel Mbemba led a defence that repeatedly threw bodies in front of goal-bound efforts. By halftime, Colombia had produced enough chances to be comfortably ahead, yet the score remained goalless.

The second half followed a similar pattern. Colombia camped inside the Congolese half, circulating possession with patience while searching for the breakthrough. DR Congo defended deeper and deeper, inviting wave after wave of attacks as the pressure steadily increased.

There were moments when it appeared Colombia had finally found the answer, only for celebrations to be cut short. One effort was ruled out for offside, while another promising attack ended in appeals for a penalty that were waved away. Despite controlling almost every aspect of the contest, the South Americans still had nothing to show for their dominance. The breakthrough finally arrived in the 76th minute.

Following another sustained attack, confusion inside the Congolese penalty area allowed Daniel Muñoz to react quickest. The Crystal Palace full-back stayed alert as the ball broke kindly and calmly finished beyond the helpless Mpasi. It was a deserved reward for Colombia’s persistence after spending much of the evening knocking on the door.

Even after taking the lead, Colombia continued to threaten. Luis Díaz thought he had doubled the advantage, only for the assistant referee’s flag to intervene once again. DR Congo pushed more players forward during the closing stages, but genuine opportunities remained scarce as Sánchez and Lucumí comfortably managed the aerial threat.

Six minutes of stoppage time produced anxious moments, with DR Congo launching one final series of attacks into the Colombian penalty area. Colombia remained composed, slowing the tempo whenever possible before seeing out the victory despite frustration from the Congolese camp over the timing of the final whistle.

Colombia now head into their final Group K fixture against Portugal knowing qualification is already secured and first place is firmly within reach. DR Congo, meanwhile, must defeat Uzbekistan and hope other results fall in their favour if they are to keep their World Cup dream alive.