Colombia should control more of the ball and territory, using its **4-2-3-1** structure to push Luis Díaz high and isolate DR Congo’s back line, while DR Congo will likely stay compact in a **4-5-1/4-4-2** and look to spring forward quickly after turnovers. The key duel is Colombia’s left-side speed and combination play against DR Congo’s central block, with **Luis Suárez** and **Cucho Hernández** tasked with turning crossing and half-space entries into clean chances before the defense can reset. For DR Congo, the route is clear: protect the middle, survive Colombia’s early pressure, and use the direct runs of **Bakambu**, **Meschack Elia**, and **Brian Cipenga** to punish space behind advanced fullbacks. It comes down to whether Colombia’s chance creation breaks DR Congo’s compact shape early; if it does, the market favorite should separate, but if DR Congo keeps the game low-event, the draw stays live.
