DR Congo vs Uzbekistan: Match Preview | OneFootball

The other Group K match to conclude the standings involves two World Cup debutants: DR Congo and Uzbekistan. The Asian and African minnows clash at the Mercedes-Benz Atlanta Stadium for the first time in history (I can still mention these kind of brands, right FIFA? Editor: No)

Hopes and dreams

Unfortunately for Uzbekistan their World Cup dream is all but over. They have zero points and the second worse goal difference in the competition with -7. Fabio Cannavaro’s men won’t want to limp out without a fight though and will try and secure their first ever World Cup point. 

If you believe in miracles then they can advance by winning this match. But his seems unlikely, for three reasons.

That being said, as long as there’s a chance the dream is possible! They also say it’s the hope that kills you! 

For Congo, the dream is still alive. If they win their first ever World Cup match they’ll have a strong chance of qualifying as one of the best third place teams with four points. There’s even a scenario where they finish in second place, but would need Portugal to lose heavily to Colombia. Let’s not get carried away.

Congo form not in favor

Coach Sebastien Desabre has done a remarkable job with this DR Congo team, particularly in shoring up their defense. Since 2023, DR Congo has played 55 matches. They’ve won 26, drawn 16 and lost 13, but only two of those by more than one goal.

Although the Léopards will be confident of getting a result this weekend, their recent form has been a little suspect: three draws and two losses. They need to return to their winning ways if they want to progress to the World Cup knockout phase for the first time in their history.

His low block tactics worked against a below par Portugal as they claimed a valuable point. However, the same tactics didn’t work so well against the Colombians. They had less possession and didn’t look as organized without the ball.

Formations and match prediction

If the Congolese want to advance to the last 32 they will need to take more risks and not just rely on hitting Uzbekistan on the break. 

Desabre may have to break away from his trusted back five and play four at the back. This could mean one of the centre-backs dropping out for the final fixture. Yoane Wissa and Cedric Bakambu remain Congo’s best options in attack. Wissa is currently their only World Cup goalscorer and Bakambu has 21 international goals.

For Uzbekistan, Abbosbek Fayzullayev remains his nation’s only goalscorer at a World Cup. Much like Wissa, he’s the main threat in attack, along with their captain, Eldor Shomurodov.  Sticking with the dreaming narrative, if Fayzullayev does hit the back of the net, he will move on to double figures for his international goals. The only other players in the squad to surpass a tally of ten are Shomurodov (44), Igor Sergeev (25) and Aston Urunov (10).

This intriguing match up is far from a dead rubber and I feel the Congolese will manage to get over the line with a 2-1 victory. Reaching the last 32 would certainly send their passionate fans into a frenzy! Maybe dreams can come true….

No Lumumba, alas

Sadly, the most recognizable Congolese superfan looks unlikely to attend. Lumumba Vea is famous for standing perfectly still during the matches, paying homage to Congo’s first president Patrice Lumumba. Visa restrictions and the recent Ebola outbreak make his entry into the U.S. practically impossible.

Of course, the U.S. let in Vozinha’s mum, so maybe anything can happen?

DR Congo possible starting lineup:Mpasi; Wan-Bissaka, Mbemba, Tuanzebe, Masuaku; Mukau, Moutoussamy, Kayembe; Bongonda, Bakambu, Wissa. 

Uzbekistan possible starting lineup:Yusupov; Khusanov, Abdullayev, Ashurmatov; Karimov, Shukurov, Khamrobekov, Nasrullaev; Fayzullayev, Urunov; Shomurodov. 

Match details