Chancel Mbemba

ANALYSIS
Mbemba contributed one cross, two blocks and two clearances across his 90 minutes as the right center back in DR Congo's back three in Tuesday's 1-0 defeat to Colombia, providing the defensive leadership and aerial dominance that kept a talented Colombian attacking unit largely at bay until Daniel Munoz's 76th-minute winner. The center back completed 28 passes and was dominant in the air throughout, organizing the defensive line with authority and ensuring his side's compact shape remained intact for the majority of the match against an attack featuring Luis Diaz, James Rodriguez and Luis Suarez. His experience, leadership and defensive authority as the right center back of the back three make him DR Congo's most important defensive player heading into the Uzbekistan decider, where the collective performance that earned eight saves from Lionel Mpasi will need to be combined with a more effective attacking contribution to keep the Leopards' World Cup hopes alive.