Ríos off the bench, Colombia qualify and only need a draw with Portugal | OneFootball

Colombia secured a deserved 1-0 win over DR Congo and confirmed qualification for the next stage of the competition. The South American side started strongly, creating several chances, especially through long-range shots, but ended up losing intensity as the match went on. Benfica player Richard Ríos came on only in the second half.

Despite the drop in tempo, DR Congo rarely managed to create danger near the Colombian goal. At the other end, goalkeeper Mpasi-Nzau kept delaying the goal, which would eventually come through Daniel Muñoz. The Colombian full-back finished with his left foot, also benefiting from a deflection off Kapuadi that wrong-footed the African keeper, securing all three points and qualification.

Earlier, Portugal thrashed Uzbekistan 5-0 and moved onto four points in the group, putting themselves very close to also securing a place in the next stage. However, the Portuguese team remains second in the standings. With one matchday still to play, the group calculations remain open.

Already through to the next stage, James Rodríguez's team goes into the final matchday depending only on itself to finish top of the group. A draw against Portugal will be enough to guarantee first place.

The side led by only needs a draw against Colombia to mathematically confirm qualification. However, to finish at the top of the standings, Portugal will have to win. Even in the event of defeat, Portugal could still go through, as long as DR Congo does not manage a big win over Uzbekistan.

The Leopards were left in a delicate position after the defeat to Colombia. The African national team needs a favorable combination of results to keep dreaming of qualification among the best third-placed teams. At the moment, DR Congo sits ninth in that ranking and will face Uzbekistan in the final matchday.

Despite still not having picked up a single point, the Asian side still has a mathematical chance of qualifying. To do so, they must beat DR Congo and hope for favorable results in the other groups in order to claim a place among the best third-placed teams.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.