Colombia needed just over 75 minutes to break the deadlock, but eventually got their deserved three points against DR Congo.
Los Cafeteros have made it back-to-back wins in the World Cup and lead Group K, two points ahead of Portugal. While in their opener they didn’t impress against a fragile Uzbekistan side, tonight brought a much better performance vs the Leopards.
At a certain point, it looked like they had ran out of gas and were starting to fade away. But one seemingly simple substitution changed everything in their favour.
Along with that, they kept one of their best traits from the opener that worked once again and gave them the win.
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How did Colombia beat DR Congo?
Striker change
Colombia made it a priority to attack in behind DR Congo’s defensive line. Sometimes a bit too much, in fact.
It often felt like they were forcing many long passes, whether it was on the ground or over the top. They attempted 66 long balls tonight, the third most of any side in a 2026 World Cup game so far.
And you can’t blame them, considering they have Luis Diaz and Luis Suarez up front. In theory, it’s a good way of not having to deal with low blocks and having to patiently break down the opposition.
Problem is that it didn’t really work. For perspective, they were caught offside seven times against the Leopards – the second highest tally of any team in a game this tournament. Only Brazil had more (8 vs Haiti).
The whole DR Congo defensive line showed ease to deal with those long balls. It either went through to a forward in offside position, or they managed to clear it out or intercept before it reached another Colombian.
Nestor Lorenzo gave Suarez 60 minutes on the pitch but the Sporting striker couldn’t do much trying to stretch the opposition. The manager then smartly adjusted and went with a different prototype of number nine.
Jhon Cordoba brings more phisicality and hold-up play as a target man. And it was a timely substitution too, as around the 60th-minute mark it felt like Colombia had ran out of gas. But Cordoba and Juan Quintero, who came off the bench together, revived their attack.
And it was precisely a Quintero pass to Cordoba that led to the goal. The striker held off Steve Kapuadi and basically provided a no-touch assist for Daniel Munoz who came crashing off the right wing to fire it past the goalkeeper – with a little help from a deflection.
Munoz the goalscorer
Speaking of which, it will be easy to spot that Crystal Palace man Daniel Munoz has scored two goals in two World Cup games. And also that he is Colombia’s top goalscorer this tournament so far.
Not at this pace, of course, but it’s a familiar sight to those who watch the Premier League and are well aware of his attacking contributions.
But what stands out the most is how Nestor Lorenzo took what worked the most against Uzbekistan and repeated it against DR Congo.
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Runs in-behind are actually part of this. It’s how they came out of the first hydration break during the opener a much more aggressive side. And Munoz understood it better than any other player how valuable those movements can be. He went ‘off-script’ and it broke the deadlock for his side.
But him as a surprise element crashing the box has been the ultimate difference maker for the Cafeteros. Whether that’s from the right following up on crosses that come from the left, or as an actual striker, looking for gaps between opposing centre-backs.
Uncoincidentally, Munoz has more shots than crosses attempted and chances created in the current campaign.
Other than scoring against the Leopards, he had the best chance of the game according to expected goals. However, he failed to capitalise on an opportunity worth 0.20 xG early on.
Luckily for all football fans, Matchday 3 of Group K will feature a decisive game between Colombia and Portugal, with DR Congo still having a chance to advance in second or third place.
And it could be a great individual battle between Daniel Munoz and Nuno Mendes. Both full-backs scored on Matchday 2 and are always looking to get in goalscoring situations while also fulfilling their defensive duties.
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