The Democratic Republic of Congo secured a historic place in the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup for the first time after defeating Uzbekistan 3-1 on Saturday, while Iran suffered a heartbreaking exit following a dramatic conclusion to the group phase.
The expanded tournament’s group stage ended in thrilling fashion as Austria and Algeria played out an extraordinary 3-3 draw in Group J, with both teams claiming the final two spots in the Round of 32 at Iran’s expense.
Iran had been hoping for a winner in the Austria-Algeria encounter, as victory for either side would have opened the door for the Asian nation to progress. Their hopes briefly surged when Riyad Mahrez gave Algeria a 3-2 lead in the third minute of stoppage time.
However, Austria snatched a dramatic equaliser moments later when Sasa Kalajdzic headed home in the sixth minute of added time, sealing a 3-3 draw and sending both teams through while ending Iran’s campaign.
DR Congo Make History
In Atlanta, DR Congo produced a memorable performance to defeat Uzbekistan 3-1, recording their first-ever World Cup victory and securing third place in Group K.
The result sets up a Round of 32 clash against England and continues an impressive showing by African teams at the tournament. Remarkably, nine of the 10 African representatives advanced to the knockout stage, with Tunisia the only side to miss out.
DR Congo forward Yoane Wissa dedicated the victory to people back home, where conflict continues in the country’s eastern region.
“We love our national team. We love what we represent. Tonight we showed what it means for us to keep fighting no matter what,” Wissa said.
“It’s not easy in our country. There’s a war in East Congo. Every time we wear this shirt, we think about them.”
Messi Scores Again as Argentina Cruise
Argentina continued their impressive form with a comfortable 3-1 victory over Jordan in Arlington, Texas.
Having already secured top spot in Group J, the South Americans were always in control against the already-eliminated Jordanians.
Lionel Messi came off the bench to score his sixth goal in just three World Cup matches, extending his career World Cup scoring record to 19 goals.
England Set Up DR Congo Clash
England topped Group L after a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Panama at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
After struggling to break down a disciplined Panamanian side, Jude Bellingham finally opened the scoring in the 62nd minute before providing the assist for Harry Kane to double the lead five minutes later.
The victory sends England into a last-32 showdown with DR Congo.
England manager Thomas Tuchel praised his side’s persistence after the match.
“It was what we expected: a tough match against a physical opponent,” Tuchel said.
“They are a difficult team to score against and we were the only team to create this amount of chances and score twice.”
Croatia Advance, Scotland Eliminated
Croatia booked second place in Group L with a 2-1 victory over Ghana in Philadelphia.
Petar Sucic and Nikola Vlasic scored for Croatia, while Ghana finished third in the group.
The result also confirmed Scotland’s elimination from the tournament, as they failed to qualify among the best third-placed teams. Following the exit, Scotland manager Steve Clarke resigned.
Portugal Held by Colombia
Colombia finished top of Group K after battling to a goalless draw against Portugal in Miami.
Portugal needed victory to finish first in the group but were frustrated by a resilient Colombian side that came close to snatching all three points before a late goal was ruled out for a marginal offside.
The draw means Portugal will face Croatia in the Round of 32, with a potential last-16 meeting against European champions Spain looming should they progress.
