DR Congo have a date with destiny when they face Uzbekistan in their final Group K World Cup assignment at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday.
The Leopards head into this clash knowing that victory will almost certainly be enough to secure a place in the round of 32.
Sebastien Desabre’s side marked their return to the world stage after a 52-year absence in impressive fashion, producing a spirited display to earn a 1-1 draw against Portugal.
However, they were unable to build on that result when falling to a narrow 1-0 defeat against group leaders Colombia last time out.
As for Uzbekistan, they have endured something of a baptism of fire on their World Cup debut after being swept aside 3-1 by Colombia before being thrashed 5-0 by Portugal.
Despite those back-to-back defeats, Fabio Cannavaro’s side still have an outside chance of reaching the knockout rounds, but they will need to beat DR Congo and rely on results elsewhere going their way.
How the bookies view it: DR Congo clear favourites
DR Congo come into this clash as odds-on 8/11 favourites with bet365.
Uzbekistan are 10/3 outsiders and must take all three points to keep their slim qualification hopes alive.
Meanwhile, the draw is an unfancied 31/10 on bet365.
Head to head: History book blank
With neither nation having featured at a World Cup in the past 52 years, it’s no surprise that DR Congo and Uzbekistan will meet for the first time ever this Sunday in Atlanta.
Players to watch: Wissa worth a look
Yoane Wissa delivered an impressive performance in DR Congo’s 1-1 draw with Portugal, getting on the scoresheet in that match. The Newcastle attacker looks good value to either score or provide an assist on Sunday at 10/11 with bet365.
Uzbekistan will look to talismanic striker Eldor Shomurodov for inspiration, and he appeals to register a shot on target at 4/5 with bet365.
Predicted line-ups
Both nations head into this make-or-break clash with no reported injury or suspension issues.
DR Congo: Mpasi; Wan-Bissaka, Mbemba, Tuanzebe, Masuaku; Mukau, Moutoussamy, Kayembe; Bongonda, Bakambu, Wissa
Uzbekistan: Yusupov; Khusanov, Abdullayev, Ashurmatov; Karimov, Shukurov, Khamrobekov, Nasrullaev; Fayzullayev, Urunov; Shomurodov
Anything else catch the eye?
One early trend in the group stage has been referees showing a reluctance to reach for their cards, but that may well change here given the stakes involved.
Over 3.5 cards stands out at even-money with bet365 – a bet that would have come in during Uzbekistan’s opening match against Portugal.
Backing both teams to receive 2+ cards will push the odds up to 2/1 with the same bookmaker.
More bookings odds are available on our best mobile apps for World Cup betting.
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