With the group title still on the line, Portugal had chances but not nearly as many as Colombia did so their draw held the status quo going in. DR Congo however had to make a big push late knowing only a win would do and the Leopards struck back ferociously to get their points.

DR CONGO 3, UZBEKISTAN 1

It was however,, the White Wolves who struck first in this one, and had a goal chalked off in the opening seconds for a clear offside on a rebound chance as well.

Eldor Shomurodov got Uzbekistan on the board in odd but spectacular fashion when he picked out his lob wedge from the far left edge of the penalty area and went up and over Lionel Mpasi and the Congolese defense in the 10th minute as a high chipped effort dropped onto the side netting on the fly.

For an hour, it seemed that Uzbekistan would be playing spoiler as they looked for their first-ever World Cup result.

Then a Newcastle hero emerged.

Yoane Wissa was fouled by Abdukodir Khusanov in some EPL on EPL crime as the Man City defender conceded a penalty, which Wissa stepped up and converted to level the match in the 68th minute. The winner, however, would come through Fiston Mayele, who darted in after Meschack Elia's deflected shot and while it was still goal-bound, poked it up and over Abduvohid Nematov in the Uzbek goal and got DR Congo their vital lead in the 78th.

Wissa would seal the match in the first minute of stoppage time, as DR Congo kept an attack alive by collecting a ball at the endline before a turn and finish from top corner of the box saw Wissa beat Nematov for placement as the Leopards celebrated a historic achievement with their first World Cup win and spot in the Round of 32.

COLOMBIA 0, PORTUGAL 0

As far as 0-0 matches go, this one was pretty good but aside from a late first-half flurry from Portugal, not much in the way of highlights for them.

Right around the 40th minute, Bruno Fernandes had a shot saved, Cristiano Ronaldo a shot blocked, and Joao Felix sent an effort over the bar, but Portugal couldn't capitalize further on that spell of pressure.

Likewise, Colombia, despite having its own group of chances right around the penalty area, sent most of these chances via header off target.

A 2-of-13 shooting performance saw Portugal generate just 0.93 xG, while a 6-of-24 night gave Colombia 1.70 xG, opting mostly for quantity over quality.

not-so-surprising

A not-so-surprising group result with Los Cafeteros topping the group with their two wins unbeaten over Portugal's five points. A massive congratulations to the Leopards on their third place finish and to the White Wolves for two very lively games to remember their first World Cup by, we'll forget about that blowout to Portugal.

Colombia as group winners will now face Ghana in the next round in a fantastic R032 match. Portugal as runners up will face Croatia, a side they're very familiar with in UEFA Nations League play and took four points from in the 24-25 edition. DR Congo will play England in a very interesting match in which I think they might be a live upset candidate in.

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