World Cup: First start for Mbuku as DR Congo and Uzbekistan search historic victory
| Christian Kaspar-Bartke/Getty Images |
Nathaniel Mbuku gets his first World Cup start for DR Congo's last group stage game against Uzbekistan. The Augsburg winger spent last season on loan at Ligue 2 club Montpellier, where he could sign permanently this summer.
The 24-year-old old made his tournament debut in the narrow defeat to Luis Diaz's Colombia. DR Congo won their first-ever World Cup point in the group opener against Portugal. A win against Uzbekistan will send them to the knockout stages either as one of the best third-placed teams or runner-up in Group K.
On paper, the debutants Uzbekistan have a chance at Round of 32 qualification, but their damaging goal difference (-7) would mean they need a big win to finish in top eight of third-placed ranking.
Confirmed DR Congo vs. Uzbekistan Lineups
DR Congo XI: Mpasi; Wan-Bissaka, Mbemba ©, Tuanzebe, Masuaku; Mbuku, Moutoussamy, Sadiki, Cipenga; Wissa, Bakambu
Uzbekistan XI: Nematov; Ashurmatov, Urozov, Khusanov; Nasrullaev, Shukurov, Mozgovoy, Alizhonov; Fayzullaev, Khamdamov; Shomurodov ©
