As the second half kicks off, Uzbekistan has introduced two new players, substituting Aziz G’aniev for Dostonbek Khamdamov and bringing in Odiljon Khamrobekov to replace Otabek Shukurov.
A collision with Mbemba leaves Mozgovoy slow to exit the field, inciting annoyance among DR Congo players who believe he is delaying the game.
Shomurodov tries another ambitious chip shot, but it soars over the crossbar. His earlier sensational goal seems to have motivated this attempt.
DR Congo has made their first change of the match, bringing Fiston Mayele on for Cédric Bakambu.
In a promising moment, Sadiki locates Wissa in the center, but Wissa’s shot is wayward, leaving room for improvement.
Nasrullaev receives a yellow card for tugging on a DR Congo player’s shirt right in front of the referee.
With the second half in motion, DR Congo faces a looming exit from the group stage following Shomurodov’s goal, which has given Uzbekistan a 1-0 advantage. This follows the disallowance of Mbuku’s impressive equalizer by VAR. The players have returned for the second half.
The whistle signals the end of the first half, marking a historic moment for Uzbekistan, which is leading in a World Cup match for the first time.
In added time, Mbuku is shown a yellow card for a foul on Fayzullaev just before the half-time whistle sounds.
DR Congo earns a free-kick from around 30 yards out, but captain Mbemba fails to capitalize on the partially cleared delivery, sending it wide.
The fourth official indicates a minimum of seven minutes added time.
As the half-time mark approaches, DR Congo ups the intensity and wins a corner, which goalkeeper Nematov effectively punches clear.
No significant chances have arisen since the disallowed goal, leading to a quieter segment of the match. Khusanov is shown a stern challenge.
Shomurodov’s hand brushes the ball, resulting in a free-kick for DR Congo, although it ultimately leads nowhere.
Cipenga goes down after a challenge from Alijonov that appeared clean, but play resumes with a goal kick.
Uzbekistan has begun to assert control over the tempo, with Shukurov orchestrating the midfield and monitoring Shomurodov’s movements.
With half an hour played, neither side has managed to break the deadlock. DR Congo desperately seeks three points, while Uzbekistan needs a win to enhance their goal difference and standings.
Sadiki manages to deliver a cross, but Wissa misfires, sending his volley well over the target. DR Congo is displaying increased attacking intent.
Since the resumption, DR Congo has been applying pressure on the Uzbekistan defense, yet they have produced no tangible chances.
We enter the first hydration break, a timely moment to reflect on the tournament’s impact on world football.
Sadiki receives the first yellow card of the evening for a high challenge on Shukurov.
After a VAR review, the goal has been disallowed. Oh no! Mbuku was determined to have fouled an Uzbekistan defender with a wayward arm while making his run toward goal. Very, very harsh, but consistent with how that’s been called during this tournament.
Nathanaël Mbuku scored a stunning goal from just inside the area, leveling the match after 17 minutes. He took a touch before sending the ball past a bewildered Nematov.
DR Congo attempted to respond through Cipenga on the left flank, but the move fell flat after Masuaku earned a foul, allowing them to regroup.
In other news, Steve Clarke has stepped down as head coach of Scotland, with the announcement following the team’s exit from the World Cup.
Uzbekistan finally breaks through as Shomurodov finds the net after pressuring the defense. He took advantage of a miscommunication between Mpasi and Wan-Bissaka, receiving a clever flick from Fayzullaev in the area before deftly chipping the ball from a tight angle into the far corner for his 45th international goal in 96 appearances.
Nasrullaev is down after taking an elbow from Mbuku, who was trying to create space, but no foul is called. Moments later, Shomurodov nearly has another chance, but he is a fraction late.
DR Congo’s first attack comes early, as Wissa, who found the net against Portugal, drops back to gather the ball before trying a long-range effort that misses the target.
After a moment of silence honoring the earthquake victims in Venezuela, the match kicks off. Uzbekistan is attacking from left to right in their all-white kits, while DR Congo is dressed in all-red.
Shomurodov manages to net a goal just 21 seconds into the match, but it is ruled offside, providing a warning for DR Congo.
The players are on the field at Atlanta Stadium for the anthems, first Debout Congolais, followed by Oʻzbekiston Respublikasining Davlat Madhiyasi. The match is set to begin.
Both teams are in urgent need of a result, yet neither enters the match in optimal form; DR Congo has scored only once in their games against Portugal and Colombia, while Uzbekistan has managed just one goal while conceding eight.
It has been an extraordinary year for Uzbekistan in sports. The White Wolves have qualified for the World Cup for the first time and still harbor hopes of moving on to the knockout stage as they prepare for their final group-stage match. Meanwhile, 20-year-old chess prodigy Javokhir Sindarov is about to face India’s Gukesh Dommaraju for a title in the upcoming world chess championship. For a nation of just 37 million, these months have been eventful.
Croatia’s 2-1 win over Ghana confirms Scotland’s elimination from the World Cup.
Did you know that two other matches are currently being played? Check the details here.
DR Congo shifts to a more aggressive formation for their must-win match, bringing Brian Cipenga on as Steve Kapuadi exits the pitch. Uzbekistan makes four changes in response to their previous 5-0 loss to Portugal, with Khojiakbar Alijonov, Jakhongir Urozov, Akmal Mozgovoy, and Dostonbek Khamdamov all entering the starting lineup.
DR Congo lineup: M’Pasi-Nzau; Wan-Bissaka, Mbemba (c), Tuanzebe, Masuaku; Moutoussamy, Sadiki, Mbuku, Cipenga; Wissa, Bakambu.
Substitutes: Fayulu, Epolo, Kapuadi, Batubinsika, Mukau, Bongonda, Kakuta, Joris Kayembe, Elia, Tshibola, Pickel, Mayele, Banza, Kalulu, Edo Kayembe.
Uzbekistan lineup: Nematov; Nasrullaye, Ashurmatov, Urozov, Khusanov, Alizhonov; Fayzullaev, Shukurov, Mozgovoy, Khamdamov; Shomurodov (c).
Substitutes: Yusupov, Ergashev, Sayfiev, Iskanderov, Hamrobekov, Jiyanov, Urunov, Eshmurodov, Abdullayev, Ganiev, Amonov, Sergeev, Esanov, Karimov, Ulmasaliev.
Referee: Felix Zwayer (Germany)
For some pre-match reading, check out Jonathan O’Brien’s tribute to six lesser-known World Cup classics featuring solo runs, spectacular goals, and incredible chips. It’s sure to enhance your day or night.
For DR Congo, the goal is clear: defeat Uzbekistan and they will likely secure a spot in the knockout stage, finishing either second or as one of the best third-placed teams in the World Cup.
This match carries significant weight beyond just the sport. Before kick-off, President Félix Tshisekedi delivered an impassioned message calling on the nation to unite behind the team.
“This encounter is not just a football match. It is a moment of national unity,” Tshisekedi stated. “Behind you, there will be more than 100 million Congolese people… all united behind you.”
It’s an impressive accomplishment for a team that last participated in the World Cup in 1974, when they were known as Zaire. Their path to this tournament included a challenging qualification process after missing direct entry.
On the other side, Uzbekistan is clinging to a slim chance. After losing both of their opening matches, they can only finish third, which necessitates a win to keep their hopes alive. Additionally, their goal difference of -7 means they need not just a victory but also favorable outcomes in other matches to advance.
In the concurrent Group K match, Colombia, already qualified, faces Portugal, with the top position in the group on the line. Colombia needs only a draw to secure first place.
Before the matches conclude, here’s a look at the current standings and what each team requires:
Teams Advancing to the Last 32
Mexico, South Africa, Switzerland, Canada, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Morocco, USA, Australia, Paraguay, Germany, Côte d’Ivoire, Ecuador, Netherlands, Japan, Sweden, Belgium, Egypt, Spain, Cape Verde, France, Norway, Senegal, Argentina, Colombia, Portugal, England, and Ghana.
Teams Eliminated
Czechia, Qatar, Haiti, Turkey, Curaçao, Tunisia, New Zealand, Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Jordan, and Panama.
Understanding Third-Place Qualification
The eight best third-placed teams will qualify for the last 32, ranked based on points, goal difference, goals scored, fair-play status, and FIFA ranking. Given the current results, four points could be sufficient to qualify.
Sweden, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ecuador, Paraguay, and Senegal have secured their places in the last 32, while Uruguay has been eliminated as they cannot finish among the top eight third-placed teams.
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