Atlanta: In a very exciting match of Group K of the FIFA World Cup, DR Congo made a tremendous comeback and defeated Uzbekistan 3-1. After trailing at half-time in this knockout qualification match played at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the African team turned the tide of the match in the second half. With this historic win, Congo has secured their place in the Round of 32 (knockout stage) of the tournament, where they will now face the legendary team England. On the other hand, Uzbekistan has been eliminated from the journey without scoring any points after suffering its third consecutive defeat in this World Cup.
Uzbekistan’s dominance in the first half
Uzbekistan team looked very aggressive in the beginning of the match. In the very first minute of the match, Eldor Shmurodov put the ball in the net, but the referee did not consider it a goal because it was offside. However, it was impossible to hold on to Shomurodov for long. In the 10th minute, he took advantage of a big lapse in Congo’s defence, chipped the ball over the head of the advancing goalkeeper and into the goal post, giving Uzbekistan an early 1-0 lead.
Just before half-time, Congo’s Nathaniel Mbuku tried to equalize the score, but the goal was ruled out after a lengthy VAR (Video Assistant Referee) review. The referee found that Mbuku had fouled Rustam Nasrullav before the goal was scored. Due to this, the Congolese team remained behind 1-0 in the first half despite better ball possession.
Yoane Visa and Mayle’s chaos in the second half
DR Congo’s strategy on the field after the break was completely changed. The team increased its aggression and put continuous pressure on Uzbekistan’s defence.
– 66th minute (penalty): While trying to stop a brilliant cross, Uzbekistan’s Abdukodir Khusanov made a wrong tackle on Yoane Vissa inside the box, on which the referee immediately signaled a penalty.
– 68th minute: Yoane Visa made no mistake and beat goalkeeper Utkir Nematov to level the score at 1-1.
– 78th minute: Meshack Elia, who came as a substitute player, changed the course of the match. On a deflected shot from Elia, Fiston Mayele showed promptness and pushed the ball into the goal post from close range and gave Congo a decisive 2-1 lead.
Visa’s ‘magic goal’ in stoppage time
In the last moments of the match, Uzbekistan team was seen struggling to make a comeback, but Congo did not let its control on the match loose. In the very first minute of stoppage time, Newcastle United forward Yoane Wiesa fired a low-lying shot from outside the D-box (about 20 yards) following a pass from Meshack Elia, which went straight into the bottom corner of the net. With this excellent goal, Visa scored his second goal in the match and third goal of the tournament, sealing DR Congo’s 3-1 victory.
In this new and expanded format of the FIFA World Cup, DR Congo has created history by making it to the knockout stage for the first time.
Also read: Vaibhav Suryavanshi can debut in the second T20 against Ireland, Signs of major changes in India’s playing 11 after the defeat
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