Uzbekistan's second match at their debut World Cup is the main event of matchday 13. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.
Portugal vs Uzbekistan (June 23, 22:00, Houston, NRG)
Coaches: Roberto Martinez (Spain) – Fabio Cannavaro (Italy)
Sports photojournalist Anvar Ilyasov shared photos from 2009, when Cristiano Ronaldo gave a masterclass in Tashkent. Two of those young players – Rustam Ashurmatov and Doston Khamdamov – will face the 41-year-old superstar today.
Portugal's squad is not limited to CR7: Diogo Costa, Nuno Mendes, Ruben Dias, Goncalo Inacio, Joao Cancelo, Joao Neves, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes. However, this was not enough to beat DR Congo.
Uzbekistan coach Fabio Cannavaro has not yet reached Martinez's level. The defeat to Colombia was a coaching failure. Chances of advancing remain: a draw with Portugal and a win over the Africans could make the dream reality.
Colombia vs DR Congo (June 24, 07:00, Guadalajara, Akron)
Coaches: Nestor Lorenzo (Argentina) – Sebastien Desabre (France)
Colombia can secure an early playoff spot, but DR Congo have their own plans after drawing with Portugal.
England vs Ghana (June 24, 01:00, Foxborough, Gillette)
Coaches: Thomas Tuchel (Germany) – Carlos Queiroz (Portugal)
England can secure first place in the group if Panama does not beat Croatia.
Croatia vs Panama (June 24, 04:00, Toronto, BMO Field)
Coaches: Thomas Christiansen (Spain) – Zlatko Dalic
Croatia must beat Panama after losing to England. Panama are also backed into a corner.
The 23rd World Cup finals started on June 11 and will end on July 19. It is the first to be held in three countries – USA, Canada, and Mexico – and the first with 48 teams. After the group stage, the top two from each group and the eight best third-placed teams advance to the playoffs.
On matchday 12, France thrashed Iraq, Norway beat Senegal – both advanced. Argentina with Messi's record beat Austria and secured a spot in the round of 16. Algeria beat Jordan, taking a step towards the next stage.