Daniel Muñoz cut a proud and composed figure after featuring briefly in Colombia’s 3-1 victory over Costa Rica this week, capping off what has been another outstanding campaign for both club and country.
The Crystal Palace full-back was introduced in the closing stages of the match in Bogotá, making a short but symbolic appearance in front of a jubilant home crowd. It was a fitting moment in front of supporters before Colombia’s squad departed for the United States, where they are set to continue their preparations with a final pre-World Cup friendly against Jordan in San Diego on Sunday.
For Muñoz, it marked his first outing since helping Crystal Palace secure another memorable 1-0 victory in a major final – a result that underlined his growing reputation as a player for the big occasion. The 30-year-old, who is preparing to feature at a World Cup finals for the first time in his career, spoke with visible pride about the journey that has brought him to this point.
“I think it’s very important [to have won on Tuesday],” Muñoz told Colombia’s media team. “To finish here and then begin this journey toward a World Cup is something priceless.
“It [the feeling is] pure happiness. To end it, surrounded by this crowd of happy, proud people is incredibly motivating, both as a player and as a person. Wearing the colours of our flag means a lot, and we hope that, together and united, we can put in a great performance in the World Cup.
“I think it [winning a trophy with Palace and then going to the World Cup] is just happiness and pride. It’s the result of days and days, hours and hours, months and years of hard work, effort, dedication, and discipline. In the end, there’s a reward.
“I believe that what you give to life, life gives back to you, and I think this is what we’re receiving now from all that effort, all the positive things, and all the discipline we’ve devoted to football. It’s a wonderful reward.
“Now, we have to deliver the final blow. We need even more humility, more sacrifice, and to stay united – sharing the same dream and the same passion. And that dream for all of us is to become world champions. Why not?”
Muñoz has become an increasingly influential figure for Colombia, having played a key role in their impressive run to the 2024 Copa América Final in the United States. He started six of their seven matches during that tournament, missing only the final through suspension, and contributed two goals in a standout individual showing.
That run eventually ended in heartbreak, as Colombia’s 28-match unbeaten streak was brought to a halt by a narrow 1-0 extra-time defeat to Argentina. Despite the disappointment, Muñoz believes the experience has strengthened the squad and raised belief within the national team setup.
Alongside Crystal Palace teammate Jefferson Lerma, he is now determined to help Colombia go one step further on the global stage, with optimism growing around their chances heading into the tournament.
“That’s what it’s all about,” said of that run to the Final.
“We’ve always said that the day the entire country unites with us in heart and spirit, we’ll be unstoppable.
“The support we felt during the Copa AmĂ©rica was incredible. If we can reconnect with all the fans and the whole country like that again, then nothing and no one will be able to stop us.”
