DR Congo advance but Iran out as wild World Cup group stage wraps

LOS ANGELES (Agencies): The Democratic Republic of Congo became the latest underdogs to roar at the World Cup on Saturday, battling into the knockout rounds for the first time as Iran’s rollercoaster campaign ended in elimination. A chaotic finale to the tournament’s expanded group phase saw Austria and Algeria fill the final two berths in the last 32 late on Saturday after battling to an extraordinary 3-3 draw in Group J — a result that dashed Iran’s hopes of advancing from their group. A win for either Austria or Algeria would have allowed Iran to squeeze into the last 32, and it looked as if the Asian side would advance when Riyadh Mahrez scored in the third minute of stoppage time to put the Algerians into a 3-2 lead. But Iranian joy was short-lived when Sasa Kalajdzic arrowed in a header in the sixth minute of injury time to snatch a draw for Austria and spark pandemonium in Kansas City. Austria midfielder Marcel Sabitzer, who scored Austria’s second goal, described the closing moments as “weird”.

“It’s a draw normally, so you think you go through and then one moment from Algeria,” he said. “We did it and we were very lucky at the end, but very happy about that.” It was the final act of another enthralling day at the tournament, which saw DR Congo emulate fellow African minnows Cape Verde by reaching the knockouts following a 3-1 defeat of Uzbekistan. DR Congo’s win in Atlanta — their first ever victory in a World Cup match — was enough to secure third place in Group K, setting up a dream clash with England in the next round.  “We love our national team. We love what we represent. I think tonight we just showed what it means for us is just to fight no matter what,” said DR Congo striker Yoane Wissa. DR Congo’s progression continued a stunning World Cup for African sides. Only one of 10 African teams — Tunisia — failed to reach the second round.

Croatia, meanwhile, made sure of claiming second place in the group behind England with a 2-1 victory over Ghana in Philadelphia. Petar Sucic and Nikola Vlasic scored the goals for Croatia, as Ghana were forced to settle for third. Croatia’s win extinguished Scotland’s hopes of squeezing into the last 32 as one of the best third-placed teams, sealing their elimination from the tournament. Scotland manager Steve Clarke promptly resigned. Portugal had gone into their tussle with Colombia in Miami needing a win to top the group — and give themselves a theoretically easier route in the knockout rounds. But after a thrilling, end-to-end battle, Portugal had to settle for a point against a Colombia team who so nearly snatched a win in the dying minutes, only to see a fractional offside decision deny them a winning goal. The result means Portugal will face a tricky tie with the experienced Croatians in the last 32 — and potentially a meeting with European champions Spain in the last 16.