Colombia Takes on DR Congo in World Cup Clash: Key Predictions, Tactical Breakdown, and Expected Lineups

Colombia and DR Congo meet in Guadalajara on Tuesday evening following strong opening results in their respective World Cup campaigns.

DR Congo didn't join their upcoming opponents in claiming a Matchday 1 win, but a 1–1 draw against Portugal exceeded most expectations, particularly after João Neves put the Iberians ahead with an early header.

The Leopards played with a clear identity and managed to keep their formidable European rivals at bay for the remainder of the match. Yoane Wissa's goal just before the break secured the DR Congo's first-ever point in World Cup history, having gone scoreless when they competed as Zaire back in 1974.

Colombia cruised to a 3–1 victory over tournament newcomers Uzbekistan, and now has the opportunity to seal their place in the knockout rounds before facing group heavyweights Portugal.

Néstor Lorenzo's squad could emerge as genuine dark horses this summer, particularly if they manage to top Group K at Portugal's expense. Their Matchday 3 clash will likely prove decisive, but DR Congo certainly has the ability to frustrate and potentially contain Los Cafeteros.

Colombia vs. DR Congo Score Prediction

Colombia Edge Tight Affair

Colombia ventured into unfamiliar territory against Fabio Cannavaro's Uzbekistan in their last outing, and now they face yet another side they have no prior history against.

Néstor Lorenzo will have taken note of DR Congo, who showed tremendous discipline against Portugal and made the most of the chances they created going forward. A clinical Yoane Wissa—quite unlike the version seen at Newcastle United—can pose a serious threat.

How Colombia looks to break down a compact defensive block will be fascinating, given the nature of their strengths. That said, the squad will be motivated by the knowledge that a win would guarantee their place in the last 16.

Their opponents, meanwhile, will be dreaming big after their impressive Matchday 1 performance.

Prediction: Colombia 1–0 DR Congo

Colombia Predicted Lineup vs. DR Congo

James Rodríguez was the youthful star of Colombia's quarterfinal run in 2014, and while he remains part of the setup, a new hero looks set to step into the spotlight this summer.

Bayern Munich's Luis Díaz is experiencing his first World Cup, and he made an immediate impression with a goal and an assist on his debut against Uzbekistan.

Colombia will also be hoping that Sporting CP's Luis Suárez can rediscover his scoring touch somewhere in North America, having put together a prolific campaign in Portugal. He has five goals in 13 appearances for the national side.

Richard Ríos was a notable omission from Néstor Lorenzo's lineup last time out, and the Benfica midfielder could be brought into Colombia's engine room for the DR Congo clash. Otherwise, Lorenzo may opt to keep the same starting eleven.

Colombia predicted lineup vs. DR Congo (4-2-3-1): Vargas; Muñoz, Sánchez, Lucumi, Mojica; Ríos, Puerta; Arias, Rodríguez, Díaz, Suárez.

DR Congo Predicted Lineup vs. Colombia

Sébastien Desabre may stick with a similar approach on Matchday 2 against a quick Colombia side that poses a significant threat out wide and on the break.

Portugal didn't make the Leopards work too hard for their point, even if their possession share ranked lowest among all teams on Matchday 1. One adjustment Desabre could make is handing Sunderland's Noah Sadiki a place in DR Congo's midfield.

Yoane Wissa will lead the line again after his equalizer against Portugal, partnering Cedric Bakambu up front.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka's impressive man-marking ability will be tested by Díaz, with Axel Tuanzebe, Chancel Mbemba and Arthur Masuaku forming a seasoned DR Congo backline.

DR Congo predicted lineup vs. Colombia (5-3-2): Mpasi; Wan-Bissaka, Mbemba, Tuanzebe, Kapuadi, Masuaku; Kayembe, Moutoussamy, Sadiki; Wissa, Bakambu.

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James Cormack is a freelancer soccer writer for Sports Illustrated FC. An expert on Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal, he follows Italian and German soccer, taking particular interest in the work of Antonio Conte & Julian Nagelsmann.