GUADALAJARA: Daniel Munoz fired Colombia into the World Cup round-of-32 on Tuesday, sealing a 1-0 win over DR Congo in Group ‘K’ while England’s bid to reach the knockouts stumbled with a 0-0 draw against Ghana in Group ‘L’.
In the other Group ‘L’ fixture on Tuesday, Croatia revived their campaign with a narrow 1-0 win over Panama, who were eliminated from the World Cup contention following their second defeat.
Munoz struck the winner from the right side of the penalty area in the 76th minute, finally beating Panama goalkeeper Lionel Nzau Mpasi who had repeatedly denied Colombia with an inspired performance.
Colombia, who opened their World Cup campaign with a 3-1 win over Uzbekistan, commanded possession and created numerous chances.
The African side, buoyed by their opening 1-1 draw with Portugal, threatened sporadically through Edo Kayembe, Cedric Bakambu and Yoane Wissa but lacked a clinical finish.
By halftime, Colombia had registered 15 shots, including six on target, with nine of their 10 outfield players attempting efforts.
In the stands, DR Congo had support from Michel Nkuka Mboladinga, the team’s famous “living statue” fan, who made his World Cup debut after missing the opener against Portugal because of Ebola quarantine requirements.
Colombia moved to six points from two matches and guaranteed their progress to the knockout stage ahead of their final group game against Portugal, who beat Uzbekistan 5-0 earlier on Tuesday.
DR Congo remained on one point and will need a result against Uzbekistan to keep their qualification hopes alive.
Colombia coach Nestor Lorenzo praised his side’s composure and attacking variety after their win in Guadalajara to qualify for last 32.
Lorenzo said his team had grown in performance despite the pressure of a tight contest.
“We had to use different channels and lanes to find space against DR Congo’s compact defence,” he said.
Colombia face Portugal next, with Lorenzo calling them “a huge team” and a major contender to win the World Cup and insisted that Colombia must not focus only on Cristiano Ronaldo.
“You have to be very careful and not leave him alone in different situations, especially whenever he is close to the goal area. But Portugal is a complete team. You should not only point out Cristiano.”
ENGLAND FRUSTRATED
In Foxborough, England were left frustrated in their bid to join the likes of France, Argentina and Germany in the last 32 after failing to break down Ghana in a goalless stalemate.
England had launched their campaign last week with a stylish 4-2 win over Croatia, with their relentless attacking play sweeping aside the 2018 World Cup finalists.
But against a Ghana team defending in depth, England were unable to find the invention needed to break through, creating hardly any chances that troubled the Black Stars.
England were also fortunate to escape what looked like a strong penalty claim from Ghana in the 79th minute when Ezri Konsa bundled over substitute Prince Adu in the box.
A toothless England performance was summed up in the final minutes, when England captain Harry Kane blasted over the bar with the goal gaping.
“It fell to him and 99 times out of 100 he takes that chance. If he converts his chance maybe we are talking now about the patience and discipline and performance,” England coach Thomas Tuchel said after the match.
The result left England and Ghana level on four points, just ahead of Croatia.
Tuchel admitted his team had lacked a cutting edge but insisted there were plenty of positive signs going forward in their quest to win the World Cup.
“It’s a long tournament and I think the boys tried everything. They played with the right energy,” said Tuchel after the stalemate at the Gillette Stadium.
“We always try to entertain our fans. It was difficult today but I hope the fans don’t lose belief. There is a long way to go. I just feel I was right that we were in a very difficult group.”
England remain unbeaten against African opponents at World Cups but the Black Stars were clearly delighted with the point which keeps them on course to make the knockout phase for the first time since they got to the quarter-finals in 2010.
“Football is not only about possession. It is also about having the right attitude, Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz said as his team built on their opening 1-0 victory against Panama. “We celebrated because we got a draw against a team who are one of the favourites to win the World Cup.”
His team also have four points before heading to Philadelphia next to take on Croatia.
“You have to pay a high price to get points. Probably because we are in the United States where everything is expensive,” he joked.
BUDIMIR STRIKES
Croatia, who made it to the last four of the 2018 and 2022 tournaments, were looking to bounce back after a 4-2 defeat to England in their opening game and Ante Budimir’s strike in the 54th minute proved enough to beat and knock out the spirited Central Americans.
“You cannot win a match if you don’t score,” said Panama’s Danish-born coach Thomas Christiansen.
But he told reporters he was “super proud” of his players for how they battled against the higher-ranked Croatian side.
Despite being eliminated from the tournament, Christiansen said Panama had taken strides forward.
“These players, after these two World Cup matches, won’t be where they are today.”
Croatia’s most celebrated player, Luka Modric, was making his 200th international appearance, but his early headed effort on goal sailed over the bar.
After the match, Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic was asked about Modric’s milestone international appearance, and whether the AC Milan midfielder was uncomfortable being the focus of adulation.
Modric, 40, went off as a substitute after 81 minutes, prompting a roar of applause in the Toronto stadium, and was lifted in the air by his team-mates after the final whistle.
“It could be that Luka might want to avoid all this,” Dalic told reporters. “He’s very humble, he’s very simple,” he added, saying Modric “truly is not for major celebrations, but I’m very glad that we marked this today.”
Off the field on Tuesday, FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed that US President Donald Trump will attend the World Cup final in New Jersey on July 19 and present the trophy to the winners.
“We will be together with the president enjoying the final and handing the trophy to the winner, of course, together,” Infantino told Fox and Friends.
Published in Dawn, June 25th, 2026