GUADALAJARA, June 23 (Xinhua) -- Daniel Munoz struck his second goal in as many games as Colombia clinched a place in the World Cup knockout stage with a 1-0 win over the Democratic Republic of the Congo on Tuesday.
Crystal Palace defender Munoz put his side ahead with a low strike in the 76th minute and Colombia survived a tense finish to secure its second straight win.
The result leaves Colombia top of Group K with six points, two ahead of second-placed Portugal. The sides will meet in their final group match in Miami on Saturday.
DR Congo is third with one point and must defeat Uzbekistan in Atlanta on Saturday to have any chance of progressing.
Colombia created the better early chances at Estadio Guadalajara, with DR Congo spending much of the opening stages defending around its penalty area.
DR Congo threatened first when Edo Kayembe fired wide from distance, but Colombia quickly took command of possession and territory.
Munoz missed a clear chance from close range after Luis Diaz helped create space on the left flank, and Lionel Mpasi was repeatedly called into action to keep his side level.
The France-born goalkeeper produced a diving save to deny James Rodriguez from outside the area and later stopped efforts from Johan Mojica, Diaz and Gustavo Puerta as Colombia piled on the pressure.
Despite being pinned inside its own half for long periods, the African side posed a threat on the counterattack. Cedric Bakambu came closest to scoring before halftime when he stretched for a cross but could not direct his effort on target.
Colombia continued to dominate after the restart and nearly found a breakthrough when Diaz forced Mpasi into another save before Jhon Arias sent the rebound wide.
Juan Quintero and Jhon Cordoba were introduced midway through the second half as Colombia searched for a way through, while Simon Banza came on to bolster the DR Congo attack.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 76th minute when Quintero's pass between two defenders found Cordoba, who used his body to shield the ball and create space for Munoz to drive a low shot past Mpasi.
It gave Munoz his second goal of the tournament following his first half strike in Colombia's opening win against Uzbekistan.
DR Congo pushed forward in search of an equalizer and goalkeeper Camilo Vargas made two stoppage-time saves as Colombia held on. ■
