Football

DR Congo reach first World Cup knockout stage

DR Congo set up a World Cup last-32 meeting with England by reaching the knockouts for the first time as they came from behind to beat Uzbekistan in their final group-stage game.

Eldor Shomurodov capitalised on a defensive mix-up to give Uzbekistan the advantage when he dinked an effort over the goalkeeper, after Axel Tuanzebe and Aaron Wan-Bissaka miscommunicated and took too long to challenge for a loose ball.

Uzbekistan were on top throughout much of the first half and produced attacking flair as they pressed to extend their lead.

But it was the African side who came closest to scoring, and had a goal arguably harshly disallowed for a foul in their own half in the build-up before Nathanael Mbuku fizzed an effort inside the near post.

With progression to the knockouts on the line, DR Congo came out after the break with added energy as they looked for a way to snatch the three points.

They were handed a lifeline when Newcastle’s Yoane Wissa was clumsily tripped inside the box by Manchester City’s Abdukodir Khusanov, with Wissa then stroking past the goalkeeper from the penalty spot.

Fiston Mayele then put DR Congo ahead by prodding past Abduvohid Nematov from close range after he tracked the path of a deflected Meschack Elia shot.