Daniel Munoz scored the decisive goal as Colombia beat DR Congo 1-0 in Guadalajara on Tuesday night, sending Los Cafeteros through from World Cup Group K and giving Crystal Palace another major tournament moment.
The Palace wing-back struck in the 76th minute, arriving on the right of the area after Juan Quintero opened the route through a stubborn DR Congo defence. His finish, helped by a deflection off goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi, proved enough for Colombia to move top of the group and secure their place in the knockout rounds.
Jefferson Lerma also featured in a tense finish, picking up a late booking as DR Congo pushed men forward in stoppage time. Colombia survived that pressure to turn Munoz’s goal into a qualifying result rather than just another highlight-reel moment.
Munoz delivers again for Colombia
For Palace, the timing matters. Munoz had already scored in Colombia’s opening win over Uzbekistan, and this second intervention underlined how important his attacking output has become on the international stage.
The Guardian’s live report from Colombia v DR Congo recorded full-time at 1-0, with Munoz’s 76th-minute goal the difference.
Colombia now move on with a Palace player at the centre of their campaign. For supporters at Selhurst Park, it is another reminder that Munoz is no longer just a high-energy Premier League full-back; he is shaping decisive World Cup moments too.
