DR Congo knock out South Korea and advance after comeback win over Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan thought they had got off to the fastest of starts when Eldor Shomurodov bundled the ball into the net after just 20 seconds after Dostonbek Khamdamov’s close-range shot had been parried into his path. However, the joy was short-lived as the captain had strayed offside in the build-up.

The celebrations would not be cut short 10 minutes later for the İstanbul Basaksehir forward. This time, he pounced on some hesitancy and miscommunication between Aaron Wan-Bissaka and goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi-Nzau and snuck in for a beautifully-executed lob from a narrow angle that nestled in the far corner.

DR Congo were stunned but they answered back and had the ball in the net eight minutes later thanks to a stunning strike from the edge of the box from Nathanael Mbuku. He was set up by good work from Brian Cipenga but referee Felix Zwayer was called to the VAR screen and ruled the goal out after a rather soft foul earlier in the move from Mbuku.

Despite dominating possession for the remainder of the first half, the Leopards struggled to create chances as their best opportunity fell to captain Chancel Mbemba in stoppage time but he lashed a volley wide.

Yoane Wissa had the first chance of the second half but his first-time effort on the turn from 12 yards didn’t come close to troubling Abduvakhid Nematov in the Uzbekistan goal.

Sebastien Desarbe’s men continued to push and they were gifted a way back into the game just before the second hydration break. That was the result of a clumsy foul by Manchester City’s Abdukodir Khusanov on Wissa in the penalty area and the Newcastle United striker dusted himself down and calmly dispatched the spot-kick for his and Congo’s second second goal at this tournament.

The Leopards knew a win would be enough to send them into the knockout stages for the first time and they kept their foot on the accelerator following the leveller and were rewarded on 78’.

Two substitutions combined as Meschak Elia’s deflected effort was skillfully touched into the net by Fiston Mayele which almost saw the roof come off of the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Wissa’s name was already written into the history books but he ensured there would be no late nerves as he smashed home a clinical finish from the edge of the box to seal a famous victory for his nation as players and fans alike danced the night away.

Their reward for making it out of the group is coming back to Atlanta on Wednesday for a Round of 32 clash with England. Uzbekistan bow out of their maiden WC appearance without a point but with their heads held high.