DR Congo coach Sebastien Desabre has warned that his team is ready to pull off a World Cup shock against England, having extensively practised penalties in anticipation of a shootout. The African side, ranked 41st in the world, faces fourth-ranked England in the round of 32 in Atlanta, but Desabre insists his players are undaunted.
Penalty Practice and Past Success
Desabre revealed that his squad has been honing their penalty skills, drawing on experience from the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) where they won shootouts against Nigeria and Ivory Coast. “Yes, we have practised penalties because we are professional. It’s one possibility to win the game by penalties,” he said. “We won on penalties in the last AFCON and against Nigeria and the Ivory Coast and we have a lot of qualities. We can switch the goalkeeper also.”
DR Congo have already demonstrated their resilience in the tournament, holding Portugal to a draw and defeating Uzbekistan in the group stage. Desabre emphasised that his team has faced high-pressure, sudden-death matches during qualifying and emerged victorious. “We have played a lot of sudden death games where it has been sink or swim and we came through. I hope we can clear the next obstacle as well,” he added.
Motivation and Familiarity with England
Despite the perceived gap in quality, Desabre views the match as an opportunity rather than a threat. “We don’t have a lot to lose tomorrow but we also take that as a motivation. We have already achieved our objectives but we can overcome the odds, we will do everything we can to move on,” he said. “We think it’s a great opportunity to keep making crazy accomplishments rather than just coming here as tourists.”
Newcastle forward Yoane Wissa, who scored against Portugal, is among several DR Congo players familiar with English football. “We have some players who are very familiar with the Premier League and some were even born in England. That’s a big motivation. But it’s hard to find a bigger motivation than to play against a top team like England at a World Cup,” Desabre noted.
Analysis and Tactical Preparation
Desabre confirmed that his team has studied England’s recent performances, including their use of four substitutes in the last game and their tactical flexibility against Croatia and Panama. “They pressed high against Croatia and faced a very low block against Panama so they have shown they can cope with different opponents and playing styles,” he said. “We have to play a good game, be well prepared and we have to do some things to bring but only if we play a good game.”
DR Congo have conceded early goals in the tournament, a weakness Desabre acknowledged. “We have conceded some early goals in the tournament so far so we have to be better focused but we have to make sure we do not give up chances,” he added. The team is determined to improve their concentration and avoid giving England an early advantage.
England’s Perspective
England manager Thomas Tuchel, meanwhile, faces selection dilemmas with injured players and must decide on his starting XI. The Three Lions are heavy favourites, but DR Congo’s penalty prowess and underdog spirit could pose a threat. The match promises to be a test of nerve and preparation for both sides.
