DR Congo and Uzbekistan arrive in Atlanta knowing there is still one realistic route into the World Cup knockout rounds.

Neither side has managed a victory so far, but third place remains up for grabs, and with several groups producing tight standings, three points could yet be enough to extend their stay in North America. For the Leopards, it is also an opportunity to record their first-ever World Cup victory.

DR Congo must show more ambition

There have been positives in both of DR Congo’s performances, but they have ultimately been left with only one point to show for their efforts.

Holding Portugal to a draw demonstrated the organisation and resilience Sebastien Desabre has instilled, while the narrow defeat to Colombia highlighted the fine margins at this level. However, the Leopards were too cautious for long spells against the South Americans and only began asking serious questions once they fell behind.

Saturday’s equation is straightforward. Sitting back will achieve little. Expect Desabre to release the brakes and commit more players forward, with Yoane Wissa and Cedric Bakambu carrying the attacking responsibility. Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Arthur Masuaku could also be encouraged to push higher from full-back if the manager abandons the five-man defence that has served primarily as a containment strategy.

Uzbekistan playing for one last chance

The tournament has been a harsh introduction to World Cup football for Uzbekistan. Fabio Cannavaro’s side showed encouraging moments against Colombia despite losing 3-1, but the heavy defeat to Portugal exposed the gulf between competing well for spells and maintaining concentration against elite opposition.

Defensively, the White Wolves have struggled whenever opponents have increased the tempo, while their attack has relied almost exclusively on isolated moments from Eldor Shomurodov and Abbosbek Fayzullayev.

Cannavaro is unlikely to overhaul his side for the final group game, although he will expect a far more competitive display after the collapse against Portugal. With nothing to lose, Uzbekistan may finally play with greater freedom than they have managed across the opening two fixtures.

Team news

Desabre may finally move away from the back five that started against Portugal and Colombia. A switch to a back four would allow an extra attacking player into the side, while Chancel Mbemba is expected to marshal the defence alongside Axel Tuanzebe. Wissa and Bakambu should continue as the focal points in attack.

Uzbekistan appear to have no fresh injury concerns after Rustam Ashurmatov returned against Portugal. Captain Eldor Shomurodov will again lead the line, supported by Fayzullayev, who scored his country’s first-ever World Cup goal earlier in the tournament.

Verdict

The pressure sits squarely on DR Congo, but this fixture should suit them far better than the disciplined opponents they have faced so far.

Uzbekistan have conceded eight goals in two matches and looked increasingly vulnerable whenever stronger sides attacked with pace and purpose. If the Leopards commit numbers forward from the outset, they should create significantly more chances than they managed against Colombia. It may not be spectacular, but DR Congo look capable of securing the victory that keeps their World Cup alive.

Tip: DR Congo to win.