Congo DR v Uzbekistan · OurXI

★ The storyline

Congo DR are up and running

Congo DR got the job done, 3–1 against Uzbekistan in the group stage. A good day at the office for ours — exactly the start you want, and the kind of result that makes the next one feel lighter.

Why it matters

Group stage, Group K — points on the line.

Who to watch

Talisman

Yoane Wissa

Congo DR

The attacking spark this defence-first side will lean on for moments of quality.

Talisman

Abdukodir Khusanov

Uzbekistan

The defensive linchpin around whom Uzbekistan's miserly qualifying campaign was built.

Developing

Congo DR are through to the last 32

Congo DR have squeezed through as one of the best third-placed sides. Not the comfortable route — but a place in the last 32 is a place in the last 32, and the knockouts don't care how you got there.

Developing

Uzbekistan are out at the group stage

That's that, then. Uzbekistan are out at the group stage — the maths finally caught up. A disappointing end, but there'll be stories to tell and lessons to take from it.

Developing

Congo DR bow out

And there it ends. Congo DR fall to England 2–1 in the round of 32, and a summer of following them is over. It stings now — but what a ride it was, and there's no shame in going out swinging.

Developing

Congo DR are held by Portugal

A point, not three. Congo DR drew 1–1 with Portugal in the group stage — not a disaster, but the kind of afternoon that makes the final round of matches feel a little tighter.