Colombia face DR Congo with round of 32 spot on the line
A win tonight and you're through
This is the match that puts you in the knockout rounds. Colombia face DR Congo at Estadio Guadalajara on Tuesday, and a win confirms a place in the round of 32 (4). The 7–1 demolition in the opener set the tone. Now Néstor Lorenzo's side can seal the group with a game to spare.
Lorenzo on the mood in camp
Néstor Lorenzo has been soaking up the atmosphere in Guadalajara. The Colombia manager said the support has been felt and he praised the quality of the competition, describing a team and a country embracing the moment (2). There is a balance Lorenzo keeps talking about: passion and focus. So far that mix has delivered the tournament's biggest win.
DR Congo are not coming to make up numbers
Sébastien Desabre is not bringing DR Congo to Guadalajara to admire the view. The Congolese coach says his squad is motivated and unafraid, leaning on unity and resilience (3). Players to watch: Cédric Bakambu, Joris Kayembe, and Yoane Wissa (4). No pushovers.
Lumumba is in town
Lumumba Vea, the DR Congo superfan known as the statue fan, has made it to Guadalajara in time for Tuesday's match (5). He travels everywhere with his team. Colombian fans will recognise him.
World Cup TV guide for Tuesday
The match between Colombia and DR Congo kicks off Tuesday, 23 June. The full day's World Cup TV schedule also includes Portugal, England, and Croatia playing their second group matches (1).
Fan reactions
Plenty of Colombian fans on Reddit are buzzing about Lumumba's arrival. The man is a World Cup fixture at this point, and seeing him in Guadalajara has only sharpened the anticipation for a spicy group-stage clash. Join the conversation.
Sources
- 1. vi.nl — Tv-gids WK 23 juni: Portugal, Engeland, Kroatië en Colombia spelen tweede duel
- 2. informador.mx — Colombia y Néstor Lorenzo apuestan por el equilibrio entre pasión y concentración
- 3. informador.mx — Congo, motivados y sin miedo contra Colombia
- 4. soccernews.com — Prediction: Colombia vs DR Congo
- 5. informador.mx — Lumumba, el "fan estatua", llega a Guadalajara para "reforzar" a Congo