While los cafeteros

FIFA World Cup: Colombia will have the opportunity to book an early place in the FIFA World Cup knockout stage when they face DR Congo in a Group K encounter on Wednesday. While Los Cafeteros opened their campaign with an impressive victory, the African side arrives full of confidence after producing one of the biggest surprises of the opening round.

Néstor Lorenzo's men made a commanding start by defeating tournament debutants Uzbekistan 3-1, putting themselves in a strong position ahead of what could prove to be the decisive group clash against Portugal later in the week. Another three points on Tuesday would guarantee Colombia's passage to the last 16 and strengthen its credentials as a potential dark horse in the competition.

DR Congo, meanwhile, exceeded expectations by holding Portugal to a 1-1 draw in its opening fixture. After falling behind to an early João Neves header, the Leopards remained composed, defended with discipline and found an equaliser through Yoane Wissa just before the break. The result secured the nation's first-ever point at a FIFA World Cup, having failed to score during its only previous appearance as Zaire in 1974.