Daniel Munoz has fired Colombia into the round of 32 with a 1-0 win over the Democratic Republic of the Congo in Group K.
James Rodriguez, making his 10th World Cup appearance to equal the Colombian record jointly held by Freddy Rincon and Carlos Valderrama, forced Mpasi into action with a powerful strike in the 11th minute.
The goalkeeper stood firm, repelling efforts from Jhon Arias and winger Luis Diaz, who came close to breaking the deadlock in the 18th minute, controlling a chipped pass inside the penalty area, turning smartly, and firing a shot goal-wards, only for Mpasi to save it with his foot.
The African side, buoyed by their 1-1 draw with Portugal, threatened sporadically through Edo Kayembe, Cedric Bakambu and Yoane Wissa, but lacked a clinical finish and by half-time, Colombia had registered 15 shots, including six on target, with nine of their 10 outfield players attempting efforts.
Colombia resumed on the front foot after the break, with Diaz forcing another fine save from Mpasi in the 51st minute before Arias dragged the rebound wide. Roared on by the vast majority of the crowd in Guadalajara, Colombia missed a host of chances before Crystal Palace wing-back Munoz broke the deadlock in the 76th minute.
Juan Fernando Quintero’s clever pass found its way to Munoz and his left-footed shot took a touch off the defender to wrong-foot DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi and sneak in at the near post.
Diaz later thought he had doubled the advantage with a finish into the top corner, only for the effort to be ruled out for offside.
Colombia moved to six points from two matches and guaranteed their progress to the knockout stage ahead of their final group game against Portugal.
DR Congo remained on one point and will need a result against Uzbekistan to keep their qualification hopes alive.
