What you need to know about England’s opponents DR Congo
Sports News
Get the lowdown on DR Congo, England’s World Cup opponents in the round of 32.
What can I expect from DR Congo?
Fifty-two years after a chastening World Cup debut, DR Congo have earned redemption by qualifying for the knockout stages for the first time.
Key Moments
Back in 1974, when known as Zaire, their three group defeats included a 9-0 hammering by Yugoslavia. They had not been to a World Cup since, until now, but head coach Sebastien Desabre has transformed a team who were in crisis when he took over nearly four years ago.
He led them to fourth place at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and has instilled discipline and tactical nous. A back five was trialled just before the World Cup and maintained for the first two games of the tournament, which included a draw with Portugal, before they switched to 4-4-2 to beat Uzbekistan.
What are DR Congo’s strengths?
Analysis
Defensive solidity has underpinned their improvement, as shown by 29 clean sheets in 57 games under Desabre. Since he took charge, DR Congo have never lost by more than a one-goal margin when able to call on Europe-based players.
Swift counter-attacks utilise the prowess of strikers Cedric Bakambu and Yoane Wissa at running in behind opposition defences.
Mental resilience, often lacking in the past, was forged during a protracted qualifying campaign which included three play-off matches.
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