Colombia and Portugal played a turgid goalless stalemate at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on Saturday night as the two already-qualified sides contested a final Group K match that had the feel of a performance managed to order, while 900 kilometres away in Atlanta, the Democratic Republic of Congo produced one of the tournament’s most dramatic reversals, coming from behind to beat Uzbekistan 3-1 and secure a historic place in the Round of 32.

The scoreless draw between Colombia and Portugal brought the curtain down on Group K’s top-two contest, with the result confirming the pre-match arithmetic as it stood. Portugal qualified as Group K runners-up behind group winners Colombia, completing a campaign that also included a commanding 5-0 win over Uzbekistan. Roberto Martínez’s side will have been disappointed not to push harder for the win that would have given them first place, but the draw was sufficient to see them through without drama.

The far more compelling narrative of the evening unfolded inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium, where DR Congo found themselves in serious danger of elimination after Uzbekistan stunned the Leopards with an early opener. Eldor Shomurodov scored in the tenth minute to put Uzbekistan ahead, and the White Wolves looked set to claim their maiden World Cup point before the momentum shifted dramatically. For long stretches, Sébastien Desabre’s side appeared unable to find a way back, and the prospect of a group-stage exit loomed large.

The turning point arrived just past the hour mark. Yoane Wissa won and converted a penalty in the 68th minute to level the scores, before Fiston Mayele completed the turnaround with a clinical finish in the 78th minute, and Wissa struck again in stoppage time to seal a 3-1 victory. The comeback was complete, and the scenes inside the stadium were electric as Congolese supporters celebrated what amounted to a landmark moment in their nation’s football history.

The victory sealed DR Congo’s first-ever progression to the World Cup knockout stage, while Uzbekistan’s debut tournament ended in heartbreak after they conceded three goals in the final 22 minutes. For a Congolese side returning to the World Cup for the first time since 1974, the achievement carries enormous weight, and the manner of the win fighting from behind in a must-win game will have sent a message to whoever awaits them in the Round of 32.

With both matches now settled, Colombia finished top of Group K with seven points following the draw, while Portugal took second place on five points. DR Congo advance as the group’s third-placed side, their fate ultimately determined by the result in Miami as much as their own efforts in Atlanta. Uzbekistan, who entered the tournament as World Cup debutants, exit without a point, their campaign undone by a crushing 5-0 loss to Portugal in the second round that left them needing a win and far too much to recover from in terms of goal difference.