DR Congo has advanced to the knockout stages of the World Cup for the first time in its history, securing a 3-1 comeback victory against Uzbekistan. This win sets up a last-32 encounter with England. The match saw Yoane Wissa score twice, contributing significantly to his team’s progression.
The game, held in Atlanta, began with Uzbekistan taking an early lead. Eldor Shomurodov capitalized on a defensive miscommunication involving Axel Tuanzebe and Aaron Wan-Bissaka to dink an effort over the goalkeeper, putting Uzbekistan ahead. This goal came after Shomurodov had another early strike disallowed for offside. Uzbekistan, despite knowing they were realistically eliminated due to goal difference, played with attacking intent in the first half.
Uzbekistan’s captain, Eldor Shomurodov, displayed swift pace to finish a move in the 10th minute, lobbing the ball over goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi from an acute angle after a clever flick from Abbosbek Fayzullaev. This early lead for Uzbekistan put pressure on DR Congo, who were aiming to secure their first World Cup win.
DR Congo thought they had equalized when Nathanaël Mbuku struck a shot that flew into the top corner. However, following a VAR review, the goal was disallowed due to a foul in the build-up, where Mbuku’s hand brushed the face of Sherzod Nasrullaev. This decision meant DR Congo continued to trail, despite creating chances.
Second-Half Turnaround
The second half saw a revitalized DR Congo emerge with increased energy, determined to secure the three points needed for progression. Their efforts were rewarded when Yoane Wissa was fouled inside the box by Manchester City’s Abdukodir Khusanov. Wissa, who plays for Newcastle, then calmly converted the penalty, sending goalkeeper Abduvohid Nematov the wrong way to level the score.
The equalizer spurred DR Congo on, and they quickly took the lead. Fiston Mayele, an opportunist striker, put his team ahead by prodding the ball past Abduvohid Nematov from close range. This goal came after Meschack Elia’s shot was deflected, allowing Mayele to react quickly and flick the ball into the net. This marked a significant moment for the team, with the majority of the nearly 70,000 fans in attendance witnessing the historic turnaround.
Yoane Wissa then sealed the victory for DR Congo in stoppage time. He curled a shot into the far corner from the edge of the penalty area, securing his second goal of the match and his third of the tournament. This goal completed the comeback and ignited celebrations among the team and their supporters, with Wissa embarking on a celebratory run across the pitch, joined by his teammates.
The victory ensures that DR Congo finishes third in Group K, behind Colombia and Portugal. This marks their first ever World Cup win and their first time reaching the knockout stages, 52 years after their debut in 1974. The team will remain in Atlanta to prepare for their upcoming match against England.
Looking Ahead to the Last 32
The DR Congo head coach, Sébastien Desabre, indicated that preparation for the match against England would begin immediately. He noted that some players in the squad have experience in the English league, which could assist in their preparations for what is anticipated to be a significant match.
For Uzbekistan, the result meant a third consecutive defeat in their inaugural World Cup appearance. Despite leading for nearly an hour of the game, they were ultimately condemned to elimination. Fabio Cannavaro, Uzbekistan’s coach, acknowledged the disappointment in the changing room, stating that the players gave everything and suffered more than anyone in Uzbekistan.
The progression of DR Congo continues a strong showing for African teams in the tournament. Only Tunisia, among the ten African teams, has been eliminated so far, with Algeria also having the opportunity to advance in their final group matches. DR Congo will face England in Atlanta on Wednesday at 17:00 BST.
Read Also
Source: bbc.com
