"Third-Place Match" between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uzbekistan for third place in Group 11 of the World Cup. Both teams are giving it their all, aiming to advance to the World Cup’s “Round of 32.”
The top two spots are already locked up by Colombia (6 points) and Portugal (4 points). The Congo team clearly has a more realistic chance of advancing to the knockout stage as one of the eight best third-place finishers. They have one point, and their goal difference isn’t bad (1-2 goals). Goalkeeper Embasí is available, having recovered from the injuries that had been bothering him.
Uzbekistan is chasing a miracle, having lost both of its matches so far, with a goal difference of 1-8. Therefore, only a victory by a landslide margin can give them any hope. In reality, their chances are slim to none. Fabio Cannavaro’s team has no injury concerns.
Probable lineups:
DR Congo (Sébastien Desambre): Embasi – Wan Bisaka, Embeeba, Tunjebe, Kapuanti, Masuakou – Moutousami, Kayembe, Santiki – Vissa, Bakambu
Uzbekistan (Fabio Cannavaro): Yusupov – Abdulaev, Khusanoff, Asurmatoff – Karimov, Sukurov, Mozgovoy, Nasrulloev – Fayzulaev, Urunov, Somurodov
*photo source: AP
