Khusanov first City player out of World Cup as Uzbekistan exit

Uzbekistan's World Cup journey ends in Atlanta

Abdukodir Khusanov has become the first Manchester City player to exit this summer's World Cup. The defender's Uzbekistan side finished bottom of their group after a 3-1 defeat to DR Congo in Atlanta.

The Leopards booked a round-of-32 meeting with England thanks to a second-half turnaround that left Uzbekistan heading home.

Things started well enough for the White Wolves. A defensive mix-up between Axel Tuanzebe and Aaron Wan-Bissaka gifted the ball to Eldor Shomurodov, who lifted it over Lionel Mpasi to give Uzbekistan a 10th-minute lead.

Uzbekistan controlled much of the first period with some fluid attacking play. DR Congo grew into the game, though, and were left frustrated when Nathanael Mbuku had a goal controversially ruled out for a foul in the build-up. They went in at half-time still trailing.

The second half was a different story. A rejuvenated Congolese side upped the tempo and their pressure told when Khusanov clumsily brought down Newcastle's Yoane Wissa inside the area. Wissa stepped up and calmly converted the penalty to level things up.

Fiston Mayele then prodded home from close range in the 78th minute after tracking the path of a deflected Meschack Elia strike, completing the turnaround. Wissa added gloss in stoppage time with a curling finish into the far corner after cutting inside.

Uzbekistan exit the competition. For Khusanov, the tournament ends earlier than he would have hoped, but the experience of representing his country on the world stage will be one to build on.