Group K heads into Match Week 2 with everything still to play for. After the opening round, Colombia lead the group on 3 points, while DR Congo and Portugal are level on 1 point, and Uzbekistan sit bottom without a point.
The first set of fixtures provided an early indication of how competitive the group could become. Colombia were the standout performers, producing a composed display to overcome Uzbekistan, while DR Congo earned plenty of plaudits after frustrating Portugal and claiming a valuable point against one of the pre-tournament favourites.
Those results have added extra significance to the second round of matches. Colombia have the opportunity to take a major step towards the knockout stages, while Portugal will be determined to secure their first victory and avoid heading into the final group game with qualification still hanging in the balance.
For DR Congo and Uzbekistan, Match Week 2 presents a chance to shape the group’s narrative. Another positive result for DR Congo would strengthen their hopes of progressing, while Uzbekistan know that anything less than a win could leave their World Cup campaign facing an uphill battle.
Portugal v Uzbekistan - 23 June, 12 PM local time
We have seen teams appear sluggish in their opening game and then come to life in the second - take the Netherlands, for example. Portugal will be hoping to follow their blueprint when the Oranje put Sweden to the sword on Saturday. Tournament football is all about winning, but you feel they need a statement win to enhance confidence. For Portugal, this is the perfect game for this to happen and for them to make their mark on this year’s tournament - and let’s be clear, they need to.
Three points in this game are a must if their hopes of progression to the Round of 32 are to be fulfilled. If not, then it can be labelled as a failure.
Roberto Martinez’s men must learn from their showdown against DR Congo. Portugal must inject tempo from the first whistle, a tempo that mirrors purpose and penetration rather than sterile possession. Against DR Congo, long periods of control rarely translated into sustained pressure, with the African side remaining compact and difficult to break down. To avoid a similar outcome against Uzbekistan, Portugal may need to stretch the pitch more effectively, using the width provided by their wingers to force Uzbekistan out of their stubborn shape. When they did this in their opener via Rafael Leão and Francisco Conceição, they looked direct and dangerous, but ultimately it was too little, too late.
Another thing Portugal must learn from is their reliance on trying to satisfy Ronaldo. It became a hindrance, not a help. In club football, PSG used to field a team of individuals based on inflated egos. When they figured out the formula, they became back-to-back Champions League winners. That is not discrediting Ronaldo’s greatness or his ability to produce in big moments, but perhaps it is something for Martinez to ponder.
For Uzbekistan, they may find that their best form of defence is to attack. When they stopped showing Colombia respect, the game became a contest - they will be looking to build on that. If they can play with similar adventure, they may get some joy given Portugal’s defensive frailties. After missing the first game, Rúben Dias looks set to return, which is a big plus for Portugal.
Prediction: 4-1
Colombia v DR Congo 24 June, 8pm local time
Colombia v DR Congo is the pick of the bunch in the second round of fixtures. Both teams impressed for different reasons, and it will be fascinating to see how they fare when they come up against each other.
This game is vital for the wider picture of the group. Colombia will be hoping to build on their impressive first win and send out another statement. For DR Congo, should they win, they will blow the picture of Group K wide open and disrupt any predictable narratives.
DR Congo’s draw with Portugal highlighted two themes that should worry Colombia: resilience and belief. DR Congo did not simply survive against Portugal; they grew into the match, equalised through Yoane Wissa, and even created moments that suggested they could have won. Their defensive discipline, led by Chancel Mbemba, frustrated a side packed with elite attacking talent, while their counterattacks carried genuine threat - something for Colombia to note.
Prediction: 3-2
Something for DR Congo to be wary of, though, is the freedom and fluidity of Colombia. If they are to get anything from the game, they must stay concentrated and disciplined. Nullifying the threat of Luis Díaz will be a heavy focus of their team talk, but that is something that is easier said than done.
Although the tournament is in its infancy, Díaz has got off to a flying start and shows no sign of slowing down. According to Fabrizio Romano, Díaz has been telling those close to him that Colombia can be this year’s dark horse at the World Cup and, judging by the first game, he may just be right.
