Colombia Edge DR Congo 1-0 to Reach World Cup Knockout Stage
A disciplined defensive display and one decisive moment send Colombia through, while DR Congo exit a campaign defined by narrow margins.
Daniel Fletcher
Writer ·

Colombia moved into the World Cup knockout stage after a tight 1-0 win over DR Congo, a result that rewarded defensive control and one decisive attacking moment. Group games often turn on margins that look small on the scoreboard but loom large in their consequences.
Fine margins decide it
Qualification, travel plans, squad rotation and the confidence of an entire camp can hinge on a single goal. For Colombia, the victory keeps their momentum alive heading into the latter rounds.
What happens next
For DR Congo, the defeat leaves a campaign defined by effort, narrow margins and missed chances. Colombia, by contrast, advance with belief intact and now turn their attention to a knockout tie.
Referenced coverage: Our reporting and analysis draws on coverage first reported by The Guardian. The NE Times publishes original reporting and independent analysis written by our editorial team. We credit and link the outlets whose primary reporting informed this article.
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