Colombia will hope to secure their place in the knockout stages of the World Cup when they face DR Congo in Guadalajara.
A 3-1 win over Uzbekistan at Estadio Azteca in their first World Cup game since 2018 saw Colombia make an excellent start to a campaign in which they will hope to at least replicate their run to the quarter-finals in 2014.
Colombia won their group en route to the last eight 12 years ago and they would clinch Group K with victory if Portugal fail to beat Uzbekistan.
But the initial priority will be to secure qualification for the knockouts for the third time in as many tournament appearances.
DR Congo are unlikely to make that an easy feat.
The African side, competing in the World Cup as DR Congo for the first time having lost all three group games as Zaire in 1974, claimed their first ever point as they held Portugal to a 1-1 draw in their opening game.
Yoane Wissa made history by scoring DR Congo’s first World Cup goal, his header earning a share of the spoils after Joao Neves had given Portugal the lead.
While their hopes of progression may primarily rest on their final group game with Uzbekistan, DR Congo’s performance against Portugal will have raised confidence they can get another surprise result versus Colombia.
And Colombia coach Nestor Lorenzo knows they can take nothing for granted a they aim to rubber stamp their place in the last 32.
“Congo play more in transition, with long balls and quick breaks,” Lorenzo said. “It’s going to be a very difficult match for us.”
Table of Contents
Team news for Colombia v DR Congo
There are no fresh injury worries for either side following their first-round of fixtures.
Predicted line-ups for Colombia v DR Congo
Colombia: Vargas; Munoz, Sanchez, Lucumi, Mojica; Rios, Lerma; Arias, Rodriguez, Diaz; Suarez
DR Congo: Mpasi; Wan-Bissaka, Mbemba, Tuanzebe, Kayembe; Mukau, Moutoussamy, Sadiki; Bongonda, Bakambu, Wissa
Where to watch Colombia v DR Congo: TV and online streams
Colombia v DR Congo kicks off at 3:00am UK time on Wednesday. It will be broadcast on ITV1 and STV and available to stream via ITVX and the STV Player. Sky subscribers can also stream the game via Sky Go.
Stats for Colombia v DR Congo
- This will be the first meeting between Colombia and DR Congo.
- Colombia have won six of their last seven group stage matches. They have scored 17 goals and conceded just five in that run.
- Indeed, Colombia have scored in each of their last 10 World Cup games, the joint-longest active streak in the competition (also Argentina).
- Having lost their first World Cup game against African opposition in a 2-1 last-16 defeat to Cameroon in 1990, Colombia have since won each of their last three matches against such opponents.
- DR Congo lost their only other game against CONMEBOL opposition, a pre-tournament friendly against Chile.
- Should Wissa find the net again for DR Congo, he will become only the second African player to score in each of his first two World Cup appearances, replicating the feat of Mohamed Salah for Egypt in 2018.
Prediction for Colombia v DR Congo
Though they got the job done against Uzbekistan, Colombia were vulnerable at the back. Their frailties in that area should make for an entertaining game.
Prediction: Colombia 3-2 DR Congo
Responsible Gambling
Gambling should always be approached as entertainment, not as a way to generate income. If you ever feel that gambling is becoming a problem, there are several organisations you can contact for free, confidential support.
- National Gambling Helpline: 0808 8020 133 (free, 8 am to midnight, 7 days a week)
- GamCare: www.gamcare.org.uk
- GambleAware: gambleaware.org
- GamStop: www.gamstop.co.uk (free self-exclusion service)
Tools available through bet365 include deposit limits, session time reminders, loss limits, self-exclusion and Reality Checks. These can be accessed via the Safer Gambling section of your account at any time. 18+ only. Please gamble responsibly.
You Should Also Read
