Uzbekistan face DR Congo with knockout hopes on the line

Uzbekistan face DR Congo on Saturday in a match that will define their World Cup debut campaign. Fabio Cannavaro's side sit bottom of Group K after the opening 3–1 defeat to Colombia, despite Fazyullaev giving the nation its first ever World Cup goal. DR Congo's physicality and pace on the counter present a different kind of test, but victory keeps the knockout rounds within reach (1). Defeat would leave Uzbekistan needing a miracle against Portugal in the final group match. The stakes could not be clearer.