A defender playing hero is never not entertaining. Daniel Munoz, a right-back by trade, cut inside from the right flank and curled a shot that took a slight deflection, finding the net in the 76th minute to give Colombia a 1-0 victory over DR Congo on June 23, 2026.

That single goal was enough to send Colombia through to the World Cup Round of 32 and, more importantly, secure them first place in Group K.

A right-back with a striker’s instinct

Munoz plays right-back for Crystal Palace in the Premier League. His goal against DR Congo was his second in as many games. The goal itself saw Munoz receive the ball on the right, cut inside past his marker, and unleash a shot that clipped a Congolese defender on its way in.

For DR Congo, it was a cruel ending to what had been a spirited defensive performance. Goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi was arguably the best player on the pitch for the first 75 minutes, making several critical saves that kept his side level.

Group K settled with a single strike

The victory meant Colombia topped Group K. DR Congo showed why they belonged on the World Cup stage. Mpasi’s performance in goal was a masterclass in shot-stopping, and the defensive shape held firm for over an hour. The deflection on Munoz’s goal was a reminder that fine margins separate heartbreak from heroics at this level.