Updated
Updated · NBC News · Jun 28
DR Congo Rallies for 3-1 Win Over Uzbekistan, Reaching First World Cup Knockout Round
Updated
Updated · NBC News · Jun 28

DR Congo Rallies for 3-1 Win Over Uzbekistan, Reaching First World Cup Knockout Round

3 articles · Updated · NBC News · Jun 28

Summary

  • DR Congo overturned a 1-0 halftime deficit to beat Uzbekistan 3-1 and advance as one of the best third-place teams, the first time the nation has moved beyond the World Cup group stage.
  • Uzbekistan had taken control through Eldor Shomurodov's early opener, but Congo answered with two second-half goals from Yoane Wissa and Fiston Mayele before adding another to seal the comeback.
  • The result completed Group K's knockout picture after Colombia and Portugal drew 0-0, sending Colombia through as group winner on seven points and Portugal through in second on five.
  • The knockout round begins Sunday, with DR Congo joining Colombia and Portugal in the Round of 32 from a group that also determined England and Croatia's next opponents.

Insights

Did Austria and Algeria's match revive the ghost of 1982's 'Disgrace of Gijón'?
Has VAR's high bar for intervention made World Cup officiating more controversial, not less?
Is the 48-team format a triumph for global inclusion or a threat to competitive integrity?