Bogota (Colombia), Jun 29 (IANS): Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos passionately celebrated his country's 1-0 victory over Senegal, which ensured Colombia' safe passage into the knockout stage of the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

A video showing the president's euphoric reaction to Yerry Mina's 74th minute goal was shared widely on social media on Thursday, reports Xinhua news agency.

The President watched the game with his son, Esteban, and military forces commander, Alberto Mejia, alongside over 500 soldiers at a military base in Tolemaida.

Speaking ahead of Thursday's game between England and Belgium, which Belgium later went on to win, the president said: "We're ready for our next opponents. We finished first and we're proud. We're going to see who it is, Belgium or England, but whoever it is, we'll keep going."

Santos also sent a message to the national team via his twitter account, saying "We're in the knockouts! Thanks, guys @FCFSeleccionCol. You're the pride of the nation! COME ON COLOMBIA!"

Colombia will play England in the second round on July 3, after the Three Lions lost their final group game against Belgium 1-0.