Both sides came into this match on the back of good opening results -vColombia having beaten Uzbekistan 3-1, and Congo DR securing a 1-1 draw with Portugal. With qualification very much in mind for both teams, the stakes were high from the off, though the game itself took a while to truly ignite.

Colombia were dominant throughout, controlling two-thirds of possession and manufacturing 20 shots in total, nine of which were on target. Yet despite that volume, it took until the 76th minute for the breakthrough to arrive, with the Colombians finally finding a way through a resolute DR Congo defensive structure that frustrated them for long stretches.

DR Congo’s goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi was the standout performer of the evening, making eight saves to keep his side in contention deep into the second half. Colombia had six shots blocked on top of that, which tells the story of a team that created plenty but struggled to find the clinical edge needed to kill the game off earlier.

DR Congo offered little going forward – just seven shots in total, one on target – and spent the majority of the contest sitting deep and trying to frustrate Colombia’s fluid attacking unit featuring Luis Diaz, James Rodriguez, and Luis Suarez. The plan very nearly worked, but the sheer weight of Colombian pressure eventually told.

Rodriguez in particular was a constant creative presence for Colombia in midfield, while DR Congo’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka impressed defensively for long periods before the dam eventually broke.

Colombia move clear at the top of their group with six points from six and will face Portugal in their final group game. DR Congo, meanwhile, must regroup quickly – their World Cup survival is now in the balance.

Colombia vs DR Congo: result, highlights and stats

Colombia vs DR Congo highlights

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