DR Congo Reach First World Cup Knockouts in 52 Years, Drawing England in Last 32
Updated
Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jun 28
DR Congo Reach First World Cup Knockouts in 52 Years, Drawing England in Last 32
3 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jun 28
Summary
DR Congo booked a first World Cup knockout berth by beating Uzbekistan 3-1, setting up a round-of-32 tie with England on 1 July.
That comeback followed a 1-1 draw with Portugal and a 1-0 loss to Colombia, enough for DR Congo to advance as one of the best third-placed teams.
Sebastien Desabre has driven the turnaround since taking over nearly four years ago, leading the side to 29 clean sheets in 57 games and a 2023 Africa Cup of Nations fourth-place finish.
Yoane Wissa enters the England match with 3 group-stage goals, while captain Chancel Mbemba and veteran striker Cedric Bakambu anchor a squad built on defensive shape and quick counter-attacks.
The run marks redemption for a team absent from the World Cup since 1974, when Zaire lost all 3 group games, including a 9-0 defeat by Yugoslavia.