Congo DR face Uzbekistan with World Cup knockouts on the line

Win or go home: Congo DR face Uzbekistan Saturday

Congo DR's World Cup knockout hopes come down to this. A win against Uzbekistan in the Group K finale and your team has a real shot at the round of 16 (1). Anything less and the dream likely ends here.

The match kicks off Saturday, with qualification on the line after that stunning 1–1 draw against Portugal in the opener gave Desabre's side a platform (1).

Cannavaro sees a different kind of fight

Uzbekistan coach Fabio Cannavaro knows the stakes, and he did not hide what he thinks of your team. "Congo is a great team, they have experienced players, they are physical," he said ahead of the match (2).

Then he drew a line under the group.

"From the draw, I always knew we would suffer against Colombia and Portugal. I knew it would be very complicated. Now, against Congo, what I expect is a very different game. We've left the hardest matches behind. Now we'll play against someone we can reach" (2).

Cannavaro's words read like a challenge. Congo DR have already shown against Portugal what happens when they are underestimated.

Bakambu, Wissa, and a squad that believes

Desabre can call on proven firepower. Bakambu, Wissa, and a disciplined core that frustrated Portugal for 90 minutes (1). Wan-Bissaka, Tuanzebe, Mbemba, and Masuaku anchor a back line that already knows what it takes to shut down a star-studded attack.

Mpasi is expected in goal. Mukau, Pickel, and Kayembe bring legs in midfield. The group is intact, confident, and playing for a nation.

Lumumba is in the building

Superfan Michel Nkuka Mboladinga, known as Lumumba, missed the Portugal opener after an Ebola-related quarantine kept him away. He has now arrived in North America and will be in the stands Saturday. The timing could not be better.